Yes, local families need ways to connect because we're out there - and just don't know it! Imagine - there could be playdates with a friend who isn't bothered by the Autistic sibling and whose parents are not going to judge the state of the household or their ability to manage. They can support each other instead. What a concepts for neighbors to learn!

As a sibling, I will say that having an Autistic brother was a challenge. Because my mom was single, my dad rarely went to any of my events and my mom...well, you get the idea. Because my mom was single, it made us thicker than thieves when it came to my brother. This Time article reminded me a lot of that, but at the same time, there was definitely a want to go into a profession that is service-oriented. But I'm also finding out that there is very little research done on autistic siblings. I've had my own medical issues that were neglected growing up, but are now a force to be reckoned with. I don't know of any autistic sibling support groups in my own area, but it's definitely needed.

I do wish there were more services available to help siblings cope. The only sibling support group in my area is an hour+ drive each way and neither our health insurance nor the Regional Center will pick up the participation cost ($20 per sibling per meeting). Our insurance will pay *MORE* for my NT kids to see a shrink but they won't pay for a support group that would be much more helpful to them (meeting other siblings and realizing they are not alone in their experience).

My older two kids are homeschooled, so I wouldn't really feel comfortable using a school district-affiliated sibling support group. But it would be nice if there was something through the local children's hospital.

I certainly don't think a victim mentality helps anyone. Even support groups often succumb to the feeling of being a victim. Autism siblings need more fun than that! They should leave feeling better, emppowered and happier. I've seen support groups where people walk away feeling more hopeless than when they walked in and then others where they've been given wings to fly! I bet you can tell what kind I want my child involved in! :)