Supporting Siblings of Neurodivergent Children

Growing up with a neurodivergent sibling can be a unique and enriching experience, but it also presents distinct challenges. As a parent, understanding and supporting your neurotypical child's experience can strengthen family relationships and foster empathy and resilience in all your children.

Challenges of Being the Neurotypical Sibling

Neurotypical siblings are often required to navigate complex emotions and responsibilities. Common challenges include:

• Feeling Overlooked: Attention is frequently directed toward the child who needs additional support, sometimes leaving siblings feeling less noticed.
  

• Pressure to 'Be Good': Siblings may feel pressure to minimise their own needs or emotions to avoid burdening parents further.
  

• Mixed Emotions: Siblings may experience love, pride, frustration, or resentment all at the same time which can be confusing for children to process.
  

• Social Difficulties: Friends may not always understand their home environment, which can cause feelings of isolation.
  

• Feeling Inadequate: Hearing the constant praise of their sibling (as a form of positive reinforcement) and yet receiving little in support of themselves, can foster a feeling of inadequacy. Long-term this can lead to unhealthy people-pleasing behaviour.

  
  

Creating a Supportive Home Environment

A nurturing and inclusive home can help siblings feel seen, valued, and supported:

• Open Communication: Encourage siblings to express their feelings openly, providing reassurance that all emotions are valid and welcome.

• Quality One-on-One Time: Schedule regular individual time with your neurotypical kiddo to strengthen connections and ensure every child feels special and valued.

• Promote Understanding: Educate siblings about neurodiversity in age-appropriate ways, helping them better understand their sibling’s experiences and needs.

• Involve Siblings Positively: Provide meaningful and voluntary opportunities for siblings to assist or interact positively with their neurodivergent sibling, fostering mutual respect and bonding.

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Helpful Resources and Programs for Siblings in Nova Scotia

Accessing external support can be greatly beneficial for siblings of neurodivergent children. Nova Scotia offers various programs and resources, such as:

• Autism Nova Scotia: Sometimes offers sibling support groups, workshops, and activities designed specifically for siblings.

• Sibling Support Project (Sibshops): Nationally recognised workshops available locally, providing fun, engaging activities, and peer support for siblings.

• Local Family Resource Centres: These centres often provide family counselling, sibling workshops, and inclusive recreational activities.

  
  

Leveraging these resources helps siblings connect with peers facing similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting emotional resilience.

By actively supporting siblings, you help nurture a compassionate, supportive family environment where each child feels understood, valued, and confident in their important role within the family.