Supporting siblings of Children with Autism with Kayla Paquette

Thank you for listening!You can access .5 Ethics CEUs with the link below.CEU Links: https://form.jotform.com/260343839957066----------------What is it really like to grow up as the sibling of a child with autism, and are we paying enough attention to their experience?In this episode we explore the often unseen emotional world of siblings and what families and professionals can do to better support them.Key Questions Explored in the Episode:What challenges do siblings of children with autism commonly face?How can parents balance intensive care needs while nurturing their other children?What practical tools help siblings feel seen, validated, and supported?How can conversations about autism be handled in age appropriate, empowering ways?What strengths and positives can emerge from growing up alongside a neurodivergent sibling?Todays guest is Kayla Paquette, a BCBA who recently launched her own private practice. The focus is on the sibling experience in families raising a child with autism. Kayla highlights how siblings often carry invisible stressors, including social pressure and emotional displacement, while sometimes being placed in caregiving roles.The conversation shifts toward actionable guidance for parents and clinicians. Kayla emphasizes intentional one on one time, validating complex emotions, avoiding comparisons, and fostering open dialogue. The episode closes by reframing the sibling experience to include its powerful strengths such as empathy, resilience, and deep emotional awareness.About The Guest:Kayla Paquette is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with seven years of experience in ABA. She recently launched her own private practice providing in home, school, and daycare ABA services, as well as community based social skills and enrichment groups. She also offers photo shoot support packages for families and travel consulting. Kayla is the author of the children’s book “Sometimes It’s Hard,” written to help siblings of children with autism feel seen and understood.Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and CEU information 02:30 Meet Kayla Paquette and her private practice 08:15 The overlooked experience of siblings 18:40 Social stress and caregiver roles 27:10 Practical strategies for parents 36:25 Introducing the book “Sometimes It’s Hard” 44:50 The positive impact on siblingsReady to better support the siblings in your families and caseloads?Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies, emotional insight, and meaningful tools you can implement right away.