Working with Siblings

20 Suggestions for Parents, Specialists and Teachers

Create a safe quiet play space with some organization of toys.
Develop a plan with the sibling with 1-2 objectives per session.
Teach the sibling the particular method that their brother/sister responds to best. If he/she needs to learn Applied Behavior Analysis prompting, teach the exact cues that are used by the child’s teacher or home trainer. This can be incorporated into a play scheme. If he/she needs to learn Floor Time or Narrative Play, teach the strategies in an individual session and model all techniques with figures first.
Connect with all specialists on the child’s Team each week, even if it is email.
Model the voice intonation pattern, rate, and volume for the sibling.
Ask questions that suggest ideas for conversation between siblings.

Suggest a story to go along with actions of figures.
Keep them on the narrative of the play scheme. Be a character. Move with them.
Gesture/verbal prompt both siblings to notice each other and make comments.
Keep verbal prompts consistent and short in length.
Engage in well-timed Sensory Integration breaks and gross motor activities.
Maintain eye contact equally with both siblings.
Acknowledge both siblings for appropriate gesture, facial expression and sounds that show some reciprocity.
Be aware of emotional responses and support both siblings.
Be available for any questions. Be honest and clear.
Giggle and use gesture frequently. Engage 100% in all interactions.
Laugh hard when appropriate!
Teach the more verbal sibling to wait for responses. Teach breathing techniques.
Be yourself each moment.
It’s okay to cry a little.

The more verbal sibling needs to know that you understand.

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