Growing Up Alongside Autism: A Preliminary Survey of the Experiences and Needs of Siblings of Autistic Children

Siblings of autistic children manage complex family roles, frequently stepping into positions as caregivers, teachers, and friends. They navigate these responsibilities both willingly and unwillingly, carrying emotional responsibilities that shift over time. Although these siblings have unique experiences, researchers rarely ask them about their lives directly. This preliminary, descriptive study used an anonymous online survey to capture the daily realities, emotional burdens, and support needs of these non-autistic brothers and sisters. Participants were reached through local therapy centers, community events, and parent networks. Because age plays a big role in how siblings process their experiences, the questionnaire used branching logic to split respondents into a younger cohort (n = 6) and an older group (n = 14). The data from the older group showed the following: 79% felt pressure to be the "perfect or easy child," 71% routinely hid their own struggles to avoid stressing their parents, and 86% felt their family dynamics are different from their peers'. While these siblings reported growing empathy and patience, 100% of them had never spoken to a counselor or clinician about their role in the family. While these preliminary results from a small sample size cannot be generalized, they add firsthand perspectives to an under-researched area, underscoring the need to better understand the mental health of these siblings and provide the support needed for them at the appropriate time.