Good ideas. I also hired a 11-14 year old at a very low wage to play with my NT son when he was little. Older teens don't play they just watch. But younger teens will play. I made it clear to that teen that the job was playing. This worked really well between ages 4 to 7.

And around age 5, I started having his little friends over for playdates. I got to know their parents so he would have opportunities to play with those kids a lot.

Basically I knew I couldn't give him the attention that he deserved because of his brother, so I helped him build his own life and interests.

I know how the older sister feels! I definitely felt lonely because my brother got all the attention. One of the first things I did was learn to play with my brother and get used to being alone a lot. I wasn't necessarily neglected, but I was definitely on my own until my mother stopped working and started taking care of both of us. It was rough with very little money, but we became closer, whether it was going to the library together, going to local ballgames together and if my dad was amenable, take a quick trip out of town. I'm not sure if this answers your question very well, but it's food for thought.

I really like that answer! I know there has been a new family at our church who has a young daughter. around that age. Her and my oldest have been playing alot there.

While getting someone else to play with them is ok sometimes, I don't think it can replace time with Mom or Dad. Our other children need us just as much, only in different ways. Giving each child their 'own' time with mom/dad acan help reduce resentment of special needs kids by our so-called NT kids.
Having someone neutral they can talk to about their feelings can also be extremely helpful...Ie) school counselor, therapist, etc.

http://www.siblingsupport.org/sibshops/find-a-s...

I like the date night ideas. Also will check out the book from @A MyAutismTeam Member.

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