Part of iCAN’s Autism Acceptance Month Blog Series
At iCAN, we believe in fostering environments where children can develop social skills, build self-confidence, and feel secure enough to explore relationships — both at home and beyond.
Sibling Bonds: From Parallel Play to Genuine Connection
Often, siblings are the first — and closest — friends children have. Yet when one sibling has autism, communication gaps or sensory differences can make these relationships more complex. Stephanie Perkins noticed this dynamic in her family:
“They’re typical boys — they’re wild, they’re crazy, they yell, they play video games — and Chris has always wanted to be off by himself…But recently, he watched his brothers jumping off the side of the boat doing pencil jumps. All of a sudden I look up, he’s doing the exact same thing because he realized it was fun. He’s realized his brothers have stuff to offer. Now he’s seeking them out, or at least watching and laughing from the couch. It’s made them a much more cohesive team.”
Friends and Peers: Finding a Place to Belong
Friendships formed at school or in the community can be equally transformative. Catie Krautkramer shares how her son Rowan grew to make friends at kindergarten — an outcome she once thought might never happen:
“He made friends in kindergarten. He got invited to birthday parties — we have one this weekend. I never thought he’d have a group of friends. That’s a big thing for him. There’s a question every year on your ABA evaluation: ‘Does your kid have one friend?’ I could finally answer yes.”
Friendship is more than a social nicety — it’s a gateway to belonging, self-expression, and confidence. Feeling accepted by peers can drastically reduce a child’s anxiety and improve communication skills. When children see themselves included in games, parties, or simple lunchtime chats, their willingness to try new social experiences often blossoms.
The Role of ABA Therapy in Strengthening Relationships
At iCAN, our ABA therapy isn’t just about individualized goals for the child; we also incorporate social and group settings to help children practice real-world skills. From waiting their turn to initiating a friendly “hello,” these foundational social skills can then be carried into daily life — be it in the living room with siblings or on the playground with friends.
Siblings, classmates, and friends can become powerful allies in a child’s journey. Childhood relationships go beyond companionship; they build life-changing bridges to acceptance and understanding.
Ready to Strengthen Your Child’s Social Connections?
If you’d like to learn more about how iCAN’s ABA therapy can help foster meaningful relationships between siblings, friends, and peers, we’re here to guide you. Contact us today to discover how our supportive, child-centered approach can make a real difference in your family’s life.