Parents with a new diagnosis of their child of Asperger or Autism often forget to consider the effect on their other children since the demands of the treatment of the child with a diagnosis are so intense. Below are some topics to think about and decide if they apply or could be helpful to the lives of the siblings.
One factor is the time demands of the treatment of the child with a diagnosis prevents the parent from having much time left for the child without the diagnosis to do activities. Many parents deal with this problem by including the child with a disability in all or many of the activities with the sibling without a disability. For example, if an activity schedule is designed for the child with a disability both children participate in the general activity identified such as reading but just read different books or play different learning to read games.
Another factor is that the child with disabilities receives more reward for his motivational program then the child without disabilities. This can be easily solved by providing a reward system for both children with different individualized rewards.
In addition the child without the diagnosis can assist to teach the child with a diagnosis play certain games such as for example nerf basketball or computer games. The child with Asperger diagnosis might play the computer games with his brother or watch him play. This leads to bonding between the two children. It also leads to a higher self-esteem for both children and increases the value of the friendship between the two siblings.
Parent should be careful not to talk negatively about the child with the diagnosis in front of the other child. so that the sibling continues to perceive the child in a positive manner.
Parents should praise the child that is normal for providing any teaching or praise of his brother and maybe say things like " you are a great brother" or " you are great at teaching games". Reinforcing the sibling for helpful behavior will make the child feel that he is a help to the child that needs help! Rather than feeling that it is a chore to help with tasks for his sibling with a diagnosis.
Further issues will be discussed in future blogs to make life happier for everyone in the family!
One factor is the time demands of the treatment of the child with a diagnosis prevents the parent from having much time left for the child without the diagnosis to do activities. Many parents deal with this problem by including the child with a disability in all or many of the activities with the sibling without a disability. For example, if an activity schedule is designed for the child with a disability both children participate in the general activity identified such as reading but just read different books or play different learning to read games.
Another factor is that the child with disabilities receives more reward for his motivational program then the child without disabilities. This can be easily solved by providing a reward system for both children with different individualized rewards.
In addition the child without the diagnosis can assist to teach the child with a diagnosis play certain games such as for example nerf basketball or computer games. The child with Asperger diagnosis might play the computer games with his brother or watch him play. This leads to bonding between the two children. It also leads to a higher self-esteem for both children and increases the value of the friendship between the two siblings.
Parent should be careful not to talk negatively about the child with the diagnosis in front of the other child. so that the sibling continues to perceive the child in a positive manner.
Parents should praise the child that is normal for providing any teaching or praise of his brother and maybe say things like " you are a great brother" or " you are great at teaching games". Reinforcing the sibling for helpful behavior will make the child feel that he is a help to the child that needs help! Rather than feeling that it is a chore to help with tasks for his sibling with a diagnosis.
Further issues will be discussed in future blogs to make life happier for everyone in the family!
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