I feel the relationship with the sibling plays a great role in the children of ASD. My elder son started learning most of his social communications through his brother. I think more than a formal theraphy what was given earlier , this plays a crucial role rather a natural way of learning things. But to build the relationship was really tough and time taking. But with patience , things seems to change in a great deal.
i agree with ur point. in my case i have 4yr 7 mths kid who is moderate autistic,& ihve a 2yr girl kid who is normal.the thing is my hubby says if u have another kid u'll not be able to concentrate on progress of 1'st child? so we left my 2'nd daughter in my in-laws house, is it work?
Priya,
It is a difficult decision for any parent and there are no absolute rights or wrongs...but here's some food for thought...
One of the most important areas for children in the autism spectrum is social skills. These skills are not always explicit nor are they always the same in every situation. We can teach children any number of skills sitting at a desk using picture cards. But the only way to measure the child's comprehension is if he (or she) uses those skills in real life contexts. Who are the best role models for these children then? Other children. As adults we can say any numebr of times, "look at me and say bye." How fleeting is that eye contact? In comes a five year old who goes right up to your child and says, "hi, can I have that toy?" Who do you think your child will respond to spontaneously and to the best of his ability?
Look at all the social skills we as adults have to understand and use in our lives-turn taking, waiting for our turn, adapting to other peoples needs and wants...lowering our voice with younger children, raising it in other situations-all these have to be taught explicitly to children who have difficulty understanding social boundaries. How do you do it? by bringing on the peers-not adults.
Children with autism have difficulties making friends..how can you counter that? By bringing in the younger sblings' friends...you continue to give the older child opportunitites to practice social skills in real life contexts.
Besides, how will your younger child learn about her siblings strengths and weaknesses if she is not there to partake of his successes and failures? What if she wants your attention for her emotional wellbeing?
i agree with ur point.but the thing is everyone in the family advicing me to lookafter 1'st son who needs extra care and affection,if she is here i have to take care both so the caring & attention will be split.mypain of leaving my normal 2'nd daughter is unbearable? but mostly in the school holidays i'll share my time &love with her..thanks for ur mail.
Hi Priya,
Could not resist myself from writting my views.
I have a older son 7 yrs and younger son 3.4 years(mild ASD).
My Dr said best way to cure your child is when your sibblings plays/communicate with each other.
My elder son loves his brother but does not use to play , as he feels that Younger is not understanding, but slowly I put in him...beta you have to take care of ur lil brother and he loves u so much...now recently they have started playing together (not when many kids are around) and I see my younger is so happy playing with his bhaiya...
We also feel if both of them play together he can come out of ASD...trying everyday...
so try to keep both kids together for few months(I know its personal).
Take Care
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