Brothers and sisters of a child with TS may also need information and tools to cope with the challenges faced by their sibling. Below are some specific needs or areas of concern for the siblings of children with TS; remember, every child is different and will have different needs and concerns. Siblings may have any of a range of reactions; if a sibling has a frequent or extreme reaction that persists, it may be useful to consult with a mental health professional. By addressing these needs, you will improve the communication and enhance relationships in your family.

* Provide information about TS to siblings. Siblings often do not go to the doctor's appointments with you or your child with TS, and they may not understand what TS is. To help them feel part of the team and included, give them age-appropriate information about TS, what it is, what causes it, the symptoms, and the treatment. A child's ability to understand changes as he or she gets older, depending on his or her stage of development, so you may need to present the same information in different ways over time.
* Recognize their feelings of guilt. Siblings may often feel like they have caused their brother or sister to get TS or feel guilty about not having TS themselves. Validate their feelings and explain the real cause of TS, and that it's not their fault they do not have it.
* Recognize their feelings of resentment. Siblings may often feel left out when the child with TS becomes the focus of the family's attention. Make sure to create one-on-one time with siblings and have special outings or just quiet time with them.
* Recognize their feelings of perceived pressure to excel in academics, sports, or behavior. Siblings may feel like they need to over compensate for their sibling with TS by doing really well in school, sports, or being a model child so that you, their parent, don't have to worry about them. Recognize this and make sure your children know that you are proud of them just the way they are, so they do not need to over do anything.
* Provide siblings with opportunities to meet other siblings. It is often beneficial for siblings to meet other siblings, so they have other people to talk to who share their experiences. This will provide them with a support system of people who experience the same challenges and experiences they do. Maybe get involved with your local TSAO chapter or attend an event held by the TSAO.
* Recognize their worry. Siblings may be worried that they too will be diagnosed with TS. Explain to them the cause of TS and the usual age of diagnosis, which should reassure them.
* Recognize their anger. They may be angry that their sibling was diagnosed with TS, that your attention is given to the child with TS, that it's disrupting family life, or that they can't do anything to help. Recognize their feelings and talk to them about these emotions.

Strategies for Positive Family Communication and Relationships

* Create one-on-one time with each child.
* Do activities as a family, such as a bowling or game night.
* Remind each child that he or she is special in his or her own special ways.
* Volunteer in your child's classroom.
* Join community service activities with the whole family.
* Provide siblings with other activities they can do on their own, such as taking an art class or joining a soccer team.
* Join a TSAO support group; they often have activities for the whole family.