Having an autistic sibling can be both wonderful and confusing. Maybe your sister flaps her hands when she’s excited, gets upset by loud noises, or doesn’t always play the way you expect. You might wonder, “Why does she do that?” or *”How can I be a good brother/sister to her?”*

The truth is, autism just means her brain works a little differently—and that’s okay! Here’s a simple, kid-friendly guide to understanding autism and how to love and support your sibling just the way they are.

1. “What Is Autism, Anyway?”

Autism isn’t an illness or something that needs to be “fixed.” It’s like having a unique operating system—some things might be harder for your sister, but other things might be amazingly easy for her!

Some ways autism might show up:

The big idea: Everyone’s brain works differently, and that’s what makes people interesting!

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2. “Why Does She Do Things Differently?”

Sometimes, your sister might do things that seem unusual, like:

• Covering her ears in noisy places → Sounds might feel louder or more overwhelming to her.
• Getting very upset over small changes → Her brain likes predictability, and surprises can feel scary.
• Not looking at people when talking → Eye contact might feel uncomfortable, but she’s still listening!

What you can do:

• Be patient – If she’s having a hard time, ask, “How can I help?”
• Don’t take it personally – If she doesn’t want to play, it’s not about you—she might just need quiet time.

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3. “How Can We Play Together?”

Even if your sister plays differently, you can still have fun! Try:

🎮 Joining her interests – If she loves building blocks, build with her!
🎨 Quiet activities – Drawing, puzzles, or reading together might be more her speed.
🤝 Letting her lead sometimes – She might have her own way of playing, and that’s okay!

Remember: Not everyone likes the same games, and that’s normal.

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4. “What If Other Kids Don’t Understand?”

Some people might not “get” why your sister acts a certain way. You can help by:

• Explaining simply – “She’s autistic—that means some things are harder for her, but she’s really good at other stuff!”
• Standing up for her – If someone teases her, say, “That’s not kind. She’s awesome just the way she is.”
• Being proud of her – The world needs all kinds of minds, and your sister’s is one of them!

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5. “I Love My Sister, Even When It’s Hard”

Having an autistic sibling can be fun, frustrating, confusing, and wonderful—all at the same time! It’s okay to have big feelings about it.

💙 Ways to show love 💙

• Give her space when she needs it.
• Celebrate what makes her special.
• Ask your parents or teachers if you have questions.

Final Thought

Your sister’s brain is like a one-of-a-kind supercomputer—it works in its own brilliant way. By learning about autism, you’re already being an amazing sibling. Keep asking questions, keep being kind, and remember: different doesn’t mean less—it just means different.