When a child receives early intervention therapy for developmental delays or disabilities, the entire family is affected – including siblings. At Therapy & Wellness Connection, our interdisciplinary approach to Akron ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy involves treating the whole child. That includes promoting the relationships with those closest to them. Brothers and sisters play a very big (and very special) role in our patients’ lives – a role for which they often don’t get enough recognition.

Brothers and sisters of our patients can sometimes face their own unique challenges that also deserve attention and support. They may experience confusion, jealousy, resentment, or anxiety, while also developing exceptional empathy, patience, and advocacy skills. For siblings, patients, and families, it’s important to overlook these realities – even as you’re prioritizing the demanding commitments of your other child’s early intervention schedule.

Understanding the Sibling Experience

Research consistently shows that siblings of children with disabilities experience a complex range of emotions. A systematic review found that siblings often report feeling overlooked as parents necessarily devote extra time and resources to their brother or sister receiving interventions. However, the same review noted that with proper support, many siblings develop remarkable resilience and emotional intelligence.

According to Angell et al. (2018), siblings of children with autism frequently express curiosity about their brother or sister’s therapy but report lacking information about:

• Why their sibling behaves differently
• What happens during therapy sessions
• How they can help
• Whether they should worry about their sibling

This knowledge gap can lead to misconceptions that fuel anxiety or resentment.

The Impact on Family Dynamics

Siblings’ experiences are significantly influenced by how parents navigate the complex dynamics of having a child in intensive therapies like ABA, speech, or occupational therapy.

Research published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that typically developing siblings were more likely to report positive experiences when parents:

• Made deliberate efforts to allocate one-on-one time with each child
• Openly discussed their sibling’s diagnosis and therapies
• Acknowledged the challenges while maintaining a positive perspective
• Created opportunities for the sibling to participate in therapy in appropriate ways

For example, a sibling may misunderstand what’s happening during speech, occupational or ABA therapy, assuming their brother or sister is being hurt because they sometimes cry during sessions. Explaining what’s happening in age appropriate terms can go a long way toward quelling this kind of anxiety.

Practical Strategies for Supporting Siblings

Some recommended approaches to support siblings:

Age-Appropriate Education

A study in the Journal of Intellectual Disabilities found that siblings who received age-appropriate information about their brother or sister’s condition and therapies showed reduced anxiety and increased positive attitudes.

Consider these approaches:

• For young children (3-6): Use simple explanations focused on observable differences rather than diagnostic labels. “Sam goes to speech therapy to help him learn new words.”
• For school-age children (7-12): Introduce basic concepts about specific therapies and how they help. Books designed for siblings can be excellent resources.
• For adolescents (13+): Offer more detailed information and opportunities to research and ask questions of professionals when appropriate.

Create Special Time

Setting aside regular one-on-one time with typically-developing siblings significantly reduced feelings of parental favoritism and improved sibling relationships.

This doesn’t require elaborate outings. Even 15 minutes of undivided attention daily—playing a game, taking a walk, or having a bedtime chat—can make a tremendous difference in how valued siblings feel.

Sibling Involvement

Appropriate involvement in therapy activities benefited both the child receiving services and their siblings.

At our clinic, we offer several ways for siblings to participate:

• Holiday events and parties where the whole family is invited
• Inclusive summer camp at our Brecksville clinic where siblings and patients are both welcome

Acknowledge Their Feelings

Siblings’ psychological wellbeing was strongly correlated with parents’ willingness to validate their emotions—even difficult ones.

Encourage siblings to express frustration, jealousy, or resentment without shame. Statements like, “It makes sense that you feel that way sometimes” or “Many siblings feel the same way” normalize these experiences while creating space for honest conversation.

Recognizing Sibling Strengths

While supporting siblings through challenges is essential, equally important is recognizing the remarkable strengths many develop. Siblings of children with developmental differences often show advanced empathy, tolerance, maturity, and appreciation for diversity compared to their peers. Having a sibling with autism, Down syndrome or a traumatic brain injury may not be easy, but it can leave with a unique perspective and an uncommon level of patience, understanding, compassion and emotional intelligence.

Finding Balance

Supporting siblings while maintaining intensive intervention schedules requires intentional balance. Remember that perfection isn’t the goal—consistency and open communication are.

When parents acknowledge the complex reality of raising children with different needs while striving for fairness rather than sameness, all family members tend to thrive.

By helping siblings understand therapy, involving them appropriately, and honoring their unique experiences, families can ensure that all children feel valued, informed, and supported through their shared journey.

Therapy and Wellness Connection in the Greater Cleveland-Akron area offers speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, alternative education, social skills groups, summer camp – and more! Connect with us today!

Additional Resources:

Sibling influences on theory of mind development for children with ASD, June 2011, Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry

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Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: The Benefits of Alternative Education Approaches for Neurodivergent Children