Sibling Support Pack
Navigating neurodiversity
Helping your child understand their neurodivergent sibling can be challenging. It is important that you take the time to explain what neurodivergence means in simple, age-appropriate terms. These 60 second long videos give a brief overview into autism, ADHD and mental health, in a way that your child will be able to easily digest.
Start the conversation
Work through our sibling support activity pack together to encourage open conversations, helping your sibling child feel supported, understood, and valued
Supporting siblings at home
Navigating sibling relationships within a neurodiverse family can sometimes feel challenging, as each child may experience and respond to the world in different ways. However, there are many positive steps you can take to help nurture understanding, empathy, and stronger connections between siblings. Building these relationships often begins at home, where small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference over time.
Reverse guilt
This article explores the feelings of guilt commonly experienced by neurodiverse families and the strategies you can use to overcome them.
Family dynamics
In this podcast episode, we explore the unique challenges and strengths of a neurodiverse household, and discuss insights and tips to thrive together as a family.
Empowering your family
Here, we share practical advice for supporting siblings of neurodiverse children, so that you can navigate family life with confidence.
Support at school
Children who have neurodiverse siblings often balance many different emotions and responsibilities. These simple steps can help your child’s school understand and support them better.
If your child has a neurodiverse brother or sister, it’s important that their school is aware. Teachers may not realise the challenges siblings sometimes experience at home, such as disrupted sleep, emotional stress or additional responsibilities. Sharing this information helps staff offer the right support when it’s needed.
Siblings may sometimes:
- Be tired due to disturbed sleep
- Have limited time or space for homework
- Attend hospital appointments
- Feel worried or emotional about things at home
When teachers understand this context, they can respond with empathy and flexibility.
Often, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference. For example:
• Flexibility around homework deadlines
• Understanding if your child arrives late or tired
• Extra support during busy or stressful periods
These simple adjustments can help siblings feel supported rather than under pressure.
Many siblings find it difficult to ask for help. A trusted adult in school checking in regularly can give them a safe space to talk and ensure they feel seen, heard and supported.
Siblings often feel their experiences are invisible. Encouraging schools to raise awareness helps pupils and staff better understand the realities of sibling life and creates a more inclusive school community.
Many siblings benefit from connecting with others who understand their situation.
• Advice and information
• Answers to common questions
• A safe place for young siblings to seek support
For many siblings, school is where they can:
• Focus on their own interests
• Build friendships
• Feel supported outside of home responsibilities
Working with the school helps ensure it remains a safe and supportive environment for them.
Understanding emotions
This comic strip will help siblings to self-identify and encourage children and young people to embrace their neurodiverse family.