Our typical kids each have to deal with this as well. Just remember they go through stages too. So my 19 yo typical son was always very supportive of his brother and his team throughout his younger years. Since his younger brother has significant behavioral issues, I always made sure not to take the younger boys to events that were really important to the older kid because I didn't want my son with Autism to ruin those events. However I also had rules in my house which included that my son's friends could not tease or make fun of my son with Autism. And so it went. As the kids became older, my NT son became less tolerant and more self-centered which is pretty normal for teens. However I kept the same rules.... saved special events and times for the NT child that were "his" moments. But overall our home is meant for everyone and you are expected to get along there. It worked for us. But I'm really looking forward to the day when my NT teenager becomes more compassionate again.

Thanks

i would contact your autism society and see if there are any books on the subject and also maybe see if there are any brother books..see if they have any classes for siblings and yourself as well..just a thought.i wish i could be of more help..i will be crossing this bridge later i guess..m kids are 5 years apart with the older 9 year old having autism..

I have twins age 16 with ASD they have a 12 year old sister that is just beginning to understand although she has to deal with their obsession tendencies which is tough. It's a battle. We just recently have been seeing therapists for the twins, maybe there is someone or a support group locally she can talk to about this? A counselor at school, psychologist?

That's so tough. My daughter (11) was nervous about telling her friends when her 3 year old brother was diagnosed. We let her do it on her own terms, and she realized that 2 of the kids in her class also had siblings with ASD. With 1 in 88 kids on the spectrum, it's very likely that at least some of his friends have been touched in some way by autism. Kids - even teenagers - can be more compassionate than we give them credit for. Good luck!