Understanding & Supporting the Siblings of Neurodivergent Children

Because when one child needs extra care, the others need extra connection.
 
In the whirlwind of therapy sessions, support plans, and big emotions, one child often gets quietly left behind, the sibling.
 
They watch the routines change.
They notice when one child gets more attention, more patience, or more flexibility.
They try to make sense of the meltdowns, the differences, and the language adults use, without always being included in the conversation.
 
And even though they’re not the one in therapy, they’re deeply impacted by the dynamic at home.
 
Unspoken emotions: Many siblings internalise their confusion, frustration, or guilt, because they don’t want to “add to the stress.”
Lack of inclusion: They may not fully understand why their sibling needs extra support, which can lead to resentment, fear, or feeling overlooked.
Emotional pressure: Some siblings try to over-function, acting “perfect” to compensate. Others may begin to withdraw, act out, or become emotionally dysregulated.
Parent guilt: Caregivers often carry the weight of knowing one child needs more, while wishing they could give equally. This resource helps balance that emotional scale.
 
Parents of neurodivergent children seeking practical ways to support siblings
Clinicians working with families navigating diagnoses, the NDIS, or sibling stress
Educators and allied health teams looking for simple, printable psychoeducation tools
 
**Ideal for ages 5–12 (with flexibility based on developmental needs).
 
The Sibling Support Toolkit is a printable, clinician-designed resource packed with guidance and tools to help siblings feel seen, safe, and supported.
 
You’ll get:
Scripts and explanations to help talk about neurodivergence in age-appropriate ways
Reflection prompts to explore common sibling feelings (e.g., “Why does my sibling get special treatment?”)
Connection-building activities to help siblings express their needs and experiences
A supportive guide for parents and professionals to open up these important conversations
Worksheets to help kids feel included, validated, and more emotionally regulated
 
Use in therapy, supervision, school-based intervention, or at home as a proactive support tool.
 
Get The Sibling Support Toolkit for just $27
Printable. Easy to use. Designed by a child psychologist, and older sister of one of the kindest, most caring, funniest autistic brothers.
 
Because support shouldn't stop with the diagnosis.
 
Siblings notice. They feel. And with the right tools, they can be part of the journey, not just a bystander to it.

Let’s help them feel just as supported, understood, and included.
 
Note: This resource is designed for families navigating neurodivergence. Some content may be sensitive, so we recommend reviewing product details before sharing with children.
 
PLEASE NOTE: This is a digital product, no physical item will be shipped. Upon purchase, you will receive access to download the materials electronically. Due to the nature of digital products, all sales are final, and refunds cannot be issued. If you experience any issues with your download, please contact theplayfulpsychologist@gmail.com for assistance.