Helping Your Kids Understand Their Sibling's Fetal Alcohol ...

Is My Child Afraid To Tell MeThat He Doesn’t Like HisSibling With an FASD?Kids might hate the problems associated with anFASD but still love their siblings. FASD can beconfusing because your child may not look disabled.He or she might have a typical IQ buthave emotional and behavioral problems. Peoplewith an FASD often misinterpret social cues. Theymight say their sibling is angry with them whenthere’s nothing wrong. Your children might wonderwhat their sibling’s problem is or why he orshe can’t just “get it together.”Other feelings siblings mighthave include:■ Jealousy or anger about all the attentionthe child with an FASD gets.They may seea sibling with anFASD getting attentionfor havingproblems and actout to get attention.They might pretend to have problems withtheir schoolwork or complain of illness sothat they can get attention too.■ Anger about being different from otherfamilies. Your children might be upset thatyour family does not do things other familiesdo.■ Isolation and loneliness or feeling that noone else has the same feelings or experiences.Because of the stigma associated withFASD, your children’s friends might beuncomfortable hearing about it and mightnot want to talk about it.■ Guilt for feeling angry or resentful or for nothaving a disability. Some siblings may feelthey are to blame for their brother or sister’sdisability.■ Embarrassment about the sibling’sbehavior or appearance. Siblings who donot have an FASD might avoid contact withtheir brother or sister or not invite theirfriends home.4