Welcome to the siblings series, where we will be taking some time to discuss resources, needs, and support options across the lifespan for siblings of Autistic people. 

In Part 1, we will be discussing resources for siblings across the lifespan. 

Compared to other members of a family or support unit, siblings grow up together and have shared support needs as children, even if support needs between siblings do not always overlap entirely. Siblings of Autistic children with high support needs may sometimes find themselves in a supporting role out of necessity or by choice. 

Siblings who don’t play a direct support role may also wonder how best to be supportive of their sibling in a day-to-day context, from finding ways to bond to acting as an advocate when needed. 

While much of this series will focus on siblings of Autistic people specifically, this post will focus on some of the resources and organizations focused on siblings of people with disabilities. So let’s dive in!

SibShops are workshops meant specifically for siblings of children with special support needs. Seattle Children’s Hospital says its program reflects “a belief that [siblings] have much to offer one another - if they are given a chance.” 

Sibshop programs tend to include a mix of fun games and more serious discussion, offering siblings both a safe space to air their feelings and opportunities to find new perspectives on their siblings’ experiences and consider how to hold that perspective while advocating for their own needs. SibShops are typically focused on kids aged 8-13, but it may be worth seeking one out in your area to see what would be available locally. 

Additionally, Seattle Children’s Hospital offers separate sessions for siblings of children with “special developmental and learning needs” and “siblings of children with developmental needs and/or special health concerns.” It may be worth checking whether a SibShop in your area more specifically tailors to you or your child’s needs.

As siblings grow up, some may find that their primary role shifts from support to advocacy. Siblings are in a uniquely powerful position to advocate on behalf of their Autistic sibling, but may also feel a tremendous responsibility to do so in “the right way,” standing up when it is called for and not overstepping or being disrespectful to their sibling’s autonomy. 

The Sibling Leadership Network offers resources to siblings of people with disabilities who are interested in learning how to better advocate for the issues that affect their families and policies that promote the organization’s core belief that “individuals with disabilities have the same rights as all members of society to dignity, respect, and the opportunity to grow and be productive members of their communities.” 

While not every adult sibling will volunteer for or find themselves in a direct support role, organizations like the Sibling Leadership Network can help any sibling think about how to better advocate for a more supportive, equitable world.

The Sibling Support Project was founded in 1990 to address “the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of siblings of people with developmental, health, and mental health concerns. 

In addition to SibShops and the Sibling Leadership Network, the Sibling Support Project includes sibling networking opportunities, including Sibnet, Sib20, and SibTeen. It produces a regular newsletter, offers resources to people who want to become SibShop facilitators, and even includes networking resources for grandparents and fathers. 

If you are a sibling interested in finding a place to talk to other people who have had similar experiences or to find ways to support your own sibling, the Sibling Support Project is an important resource to keep an eye on!

We hope this post has offered some ideas on where to seek out resources specifically for siblings of people with disabilities throughout the lifespan. If you are interested in sharing some resources for siblings that you have found or want to see us cover this topic more in depth, just drop us a line at hello@autismgrownup.com, and in Part 2, we will take a closer look at common childhood needs.