Siblings- how to explain autism

I have a 4.5 yr old daughter and my son whose autistic is 3.5yrs old. We try to explain to my daughter that her brother is different and can't speak yet. But trying to get her to understand without us getting upset ourselves, is hard. Any suggestions of how to get her to understand?

Siblings- how to explain autism

I think children are a lot more open to differences than adults. Maybe let her ask questions, some will be blunt, and answer them the best you can would be the best way? I'm not sure a 4.5 year old will be able to fully grasp the concept of autism, but she will be able to understand that everyone is a little different, including her brother. As she gets older she may have more questions, and i think it's great to have that open line of communication ready for her when she has them :)

Also if you go to the bookstore or Amazon and look up books for siblings and autism, they have a few selections for youth.

Siblings- how to explain autism

Thank you. We try to explain as much as we can (trying not to get upset). But definitely great advice.

Siblings- how to explain autism

Holly Robinson Peete (the actress) wrote a book called My Brother Charlie. It is a picture book where the narrator, a little girl, talks about differences between her and her brother, who has ASD.

I was 9 when my brother was diagnosed (at age 2) so it was easier to understand at that age. I agree with starlitdragon about communicating with her when she has questions.

Re: Siblings- how to explain autism

Siblings- how to explain autism

Thanks. I will definitely look into her book. I know she's s huge advocate.

Re: Siblings- how to explain autism

I know this sounds silly, but my daughter who hasnt been diagnosed yet should see someone "different". She will ask questions like, why are they in a wheel chair, or she has a child in her class that has tantrums and so on, but We have always sang the song. "All our friends are different but we love them all the same" from Yo gabba gabba. And she really gets it. haha!
I always try to explain to her some people cant hear, some cant see, some are born big or little, and they may be different and do things differently or have a hard time or bad day but we still love them all the same. Its hard to explain to a child so young, but when they have questions do your best to answer as honestly as possible. I would try not to get upset in front of your child but being its a hard thing to talk about do the best you can. My younger daughter is too young to ask about my older daughter but when she starts notcing things I will be ready to answer them the best way I can to a child.