Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism Spectrum - DVD

"Recommended Intervention Resources for Autism Spectrum Disorders" Yale Autism Resource Program of the Yale Child Study Center.
Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism Spectrum cover

This DVD is designed to help siblings understand and support brothers and sisters on the autism spectrum.

The DVD contains four programs; three for siblings of different ages and developmental levels, and one for their parents. The sibling programs are for children ages 4 to 7, ages 7 to 12 and ages 12 to adult.  The program explores how siblings have learned to get along with, support and enjoy their autistic brothers and sisters.  The program also can help parents understand the special needs of their neurotypical children. The segments for siblings ages 4-7 feature puppets and the segments for older siblings feature interviews with brothers and sisters. We interviewed mothers and fathers for the parent segments.

After viewing these programs, siblings should have a better understanding that their brothers and sisters aren't trying to be difficult, and should be more willing to treat them with tolerance, caring and respect.

This DVD features interviews with family members supporting children with a range of autistic conditions.  A similar program, Understanding Brothers and Sisters with Asperger Syndrome, contains interviews with different families supporting children who have Asperger Syndrome.

See video

Library Journal, by Corey Seeman

This program is a great resource for families who have children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and siblings who are neurotypical (NT). The DVD is divided into four programs, three geared toward children of various ages and one for parents. The filmmakers brilliantly use interviews with NT siblings and parents to document the issues...

School Library Journal, by Mary Grace Flaherty

...The interviews are interspersed with narrative segments that offer encouragement and insights. The siblings interviewed are articulate and candid about the challenges and joys of living with their autistic siblings. The DVD offers practical advice and support and stresses positive reinforcement and patience as effective tools....

Teresa Bolick, Psychologist and Author

Thanks so much for sending me a copy of Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism Spectrum. I just finished watching the whole DVD. In a word, “WOW!” During each segment, I found myself saying, “This is the best part.” Then, I’d feel the same way in the next segment!  

Some specific strengths:

  •  Each program is sensitive...
Read all reviews >>

This DVD is produced in the North American NTSC video format. It will play in "dual format" DVD players that play both NTSC videos and PAL format videos used in Europe and Australia.