Apr 22, 2026
Rebecca Meuschke joins Shannon today to discuss all things SIBLINGS. What do parents need to know to support siblings? Rebecca, who has first-hand experience with this topic, shares insights, resources and tips to make sure siblings don’t get left behind.
00:00 Disclaimer & Show Opening
00:30 Welcome to Autism Live & April Autism Month
01:31 April Focus on Education
01:51 Today’s Topic: Siblings in Autism Families
02:57 Audience Question: Hormones, Perimenopause & Autism
05:01 Why Siblings Grow Into Remarkable People
05:46 Live Show Context & Visiting CARD Centers
06:51 Autism Live Mission: Information & Inspiration
08:13 Jargon of the Day: Pairing (Intro)
09:02 What Is Pairing in ABA?
10:15 Pairing, Joint Attention & Learning
13:13 Pairing in Everyday Life (Thanksgiving Example)
14:48 Real-Life Pairing Example: Homework & Kool-Aid
17:04 Stimulus–Stimulus Pairing Explained
18:23 Pairing for Speech & Vocalization (Bubbles
Example)
20:23 Why Rapport & Pairing Really Matter
20:49 Introducing Guest: Rebecca Meuschke
22:28 Rebecca’s Family & Sister’s Diagnosis
24:37 Growing Up as a Sibling Caregiver
28:19 Losing a Parent & Taking on Responsibility
32:16 The Cycle of Success and Failure in Therapy
36:28 Isolation & Family Strain
40:37 What Support Siblings Need
43:43 How Lived Experience Shapes Rebecca’s Work
44:59 Balancing Attention Between Siblings
49:19 Creating One-on-One Time with Siblings
52:27 Learning & Setting Healthy Boundaries
55:42 Media Representation & “The Pitt”
57:44 Advocacy, Gratitude & What’s Next
59:31 April Programming Notes & AI for IEP Advocacy
01:01:20 Final Goodbye & Where to Find More Content