Smarter Brunei conducted its first Sibling Support Workshop to improve understanding and promote empathy among autistic individuals and their relatives.

Some 33 brothers, sisters, parents and guardians as well as friends of Smarter's autistic individuals were involved in the programme.

During the workshop, the younger siblings participated in activities which their siblings with autism would do at Smarter, such as sensory activities, circle time, arts and crafts, food preparation, snack time and swimming.

The activities encouraged a healthy lifestyle, social interaction, teamwork, and creativity.

In one particular activity, the "Circle Time", the siblings had the opportunity to talk about their most unforgettable experience with their siblings with autism, and any concerns they may have.

Sharing these experiences helped each one of them to see that they are not alone and foster a sense of empathy and understanding towards their sibling with autism.

For the older siblings, the activities were designed to promote team building, communication and social interaction, empathy and understanding towards their siblings with autism.

The workshop also gave them a chance to share their concerns about growing up with a sibling with autism, such as competition, stress, discrimination, family dysfunction, and misunderstandings.