In 2020, a mother named Teisha Glover shared a brave story. Her son Nicholas, then 16, wrote a book called ‘Davis Speaks: A Brother with Autism’. He shared what it is like to grow up with his brother Davis, who has autism https://sparkforautism.org

Nicholas said his world changed the day his brother arrived. He felt proud and protective. He also felt confused. At school, at friends’ houses, he never knew how to explain why Davis did things differently.

His mother helped, and encouraged Nicholas to write about his feelings. She talked to him openly. Eventually, Nicholas found his voice. He became an advocate. He became a hero for his brother and for himself.

If you’re raising a neurodivergent child and have neurotypical children, that story might sound familiar. You know the mix. The love, confusion, and the guilt feelings.

You ask yourself:

How do I help my neurotypical children support and truly understand their neurodivergent siblings?

Why Your Role Makes a Big Difference

Your neurotypical child isn’t just a bystander. They grow alongside. They learn empathy, and carry the family story forward.

Yet without help, they can feel lost. They worry, and feel unseen.

Your role is powerful. You’re the guide of your neurotypical children to understand and support their neurodivergent sibling. Your words in addition will shape their hearts and actions.

These are 4 Ways to Guide Your Neurotypical Children

• Tell the Story Together: Use tools like Davis Speaks. Read it together. Talk about how Nicholas felt proud, confused, and brave. Show your children that mixed feelings are okay.
• Give Age-Appropriate Info: Explain autism or Down syndrome clearly. Tell them what it means. Let them ask questions. This strategy builds trust and understanding. Emily Holl of the Sibling Support Project says honest info helps kids feel safe.
• Create One-on-One Time: Schedule special moments with each child. It could be 15 quiet minutes before bed, a walk, or a puzzle. These times show your neurotypical child, “You matter, and we are on this journey together.”
• Empower Their Role: You can give your neurotypical child small, age-appropriate responsibilities, like handing over items during therapy, or helping with simple routines. Praise their efforts and remind them that their support brings comfort, kindness, and connection to the family. Let them know they’re making a big difference by helping you.

What You Will See as a Change

Photo by Efe

Confident children who know their roles matter. They exhibit more empathy and understanding at school, home, and with friends. They develop stronger sibling bonds, built on respect and care.

When you do this, you’re not only helping two children but also you’re building a family that grows in empathy and strength.

Hear what a renowned therapist has to say

According to Dr. Stephanie Stoll, a well-respected child psychologist, siblings of children with special needs or neurodiversity often experience “mixed feelings of love, worry, and even resentment”, but can also develop compassion, patience, and loyalty when their emotions are supported and validated. http://birminghamparent.com

This blog highlights both the emotional challenges and growth opportunities for neurotypical children and neurodivergent siblings, and families. It reinforces why guiding them matters.

Let your neurotypical children know, being a sibling to a neurodivergent child means learning and growing together.

Special notes:

Neurodivergent refers to children whose brain functions differ from what is considered typical. This includes people with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurological differences.

Neurotypical describes children whose brain development and functioning are considered typical or standard in society.

Do you know of another way to guide a neurotypical child in supporting their neurodivergent sibling? Kindly share with us in the comment section.

Last year, on April 30th, Mariah sat in her car outside the therapy center. She was watching her son through the glass window. He was flapping his hands with excitement while sorting puzzle pieces.

Tears filled her eyes, not because she was sad, but because the world had finally paused long enough to notice kids like hers. Autism Acceptance Month gave her hope. It gave her son visibility. It gave her community.

But when the banners came down, the hashtags stopped trending. The colors faded, she felt something many special needs parents do.

Does that feeling sound familiar?

If you’re raising a child with autism, April can feel like a warm hug from the world. But what about May? June? The rest of the year?

You should always remember you’re not just a parent. You’re a hero.

Even a teacher, especially if you’re homeschooling or walking through IEPs and therapies.

So how do you keep going strong even when the spotlight dims?

I would love to talk about how you, the hero in your child’s story can keep showing up with strength, strategy, and heart all year long.

5 Ways to Support Your Child Even After Acceptance Month Ends

• Make Sure Everyday Visibility Count

Autism Acceptance shouldn’t be seasonal. You can build awareness and education right from your home.

You can share your child’s strengths with family and friends.

Celebrate the small wins. That new word, that brave step, they matter.

Let your child be seen, heard, and valued daily. It starts with you modeling it.

When others see how much you value your child, it shifts how they respond.

• Make Sure You Create a Sensory-Safe Routine

Autistic children thrive in routines that make them feel safe. Keep those calming strategies you learned in April going strong.

Use visual schedules.

Make time for sensory breaks.

Choose learning tools that align with your child’s sensory preferences.

Don’t underestimate how structure reduces anxiety. This is not just for your child, but for you too.

• Stay Connected with Your Tribe

Your support system shouldn’t vanish after April.

Join online communities or local meetups for parents of children with autism.

Keep learning through books, blogs, and professional advice.

Most importantly, connect with other parents who get it.

The journey feels lighter when you don’t walk it alone.

• Try to Empower, Don’t Overpower

As your child grows, so should their sense of autonomy. This may look different for each child, but you should have a goal.

Help your children discover who they are, not just what they need.

Give them choices. Let them express opinions, even with visuals or assistive devices. That’s how confidence grows.

• Make Sure to Refill Your Cup

You cannot pour from an empty cup. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.

Take mental breaks.

Don’t be shy to say yes to help.

Allow yourself to grieve, to laugh, and most importantly, to breathe.

You’re not failing when you rest. You’re preserving your power.

Hear What One Hero Parent Has to Say

Ehimwenma Bello-Osagie, an autism parent advocate and educational consultant in Nigeria, emphasizes the importance of year-round awareness and support. She believes that. Vanguard News

“Every special child has a special parent who must adapt to their unique world,” and stresses the need for early detection and consistent support to use the talents of children with autism effectively.

The Reason This Matters

The truth is, your child is autistic every month of the year. And your love, your patience, your advocacy, that’s the real acceptance they need most.

I, Prof. Sherley Louis, I see you. I stand with you. And I believe in your child’s full potential, not just in April, but always.

I encourage you to continue to build a world where inclusion isn’t just celebrated once a year.

But in every day, in every classroom, at every table, and in every heart.

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©Prof. Sherley Louis