William Ballinger, 9, knows all too well that having a brother with special needs can be hard.

For one thing, if Robert “Trey” Ballinger, 12, has a test in school, the whole family has to pitch in and help him prepare. And if William wants to play a board game, and Trey wants to watch a DVD, Trey usually gets his way.

“I get really frustrated when he says no to the things I want to do,” says William of his brother, who has autism. “And sometimes I get angry when Trey seems to get all the attention.”

But, like millions of children who have siblings with special needs, William has learned to understand his brother’s disability and appreciate him for the person he is.

It’s not always an easy process. But with the guidance of parents, professionals and a growing number of support programs,