Support for Autistic Individuals and Siblings of People With Autism
People with autism often need special consideration and assistance during the course of their lives. This can put a strain on some families, and especially on the siblings of individuals with autism. There are many societies and groups that exist to help families deal with the strain that autism can put on family members; both those with autism and those close to people with autism.
Siblings of People With Autism
Some organizations offer special workshops for the siblings of people with autism and other developmental disorders. For example, Seattle Children’s Hospital offers Sibshops for the brothers and sisters of kids with special needs. These Sibshops are a part of a larger, national effort known as The Sibling Support Project. Sibshops let children know that it is acceptable to feel different things about being the brother or sister of a person with special needs. They also promote acceptance and cooperation between siblings.
Sibshops use a variety of different methods, such as the presentation of information, discussion activities, special guests, and games, to teach the siblings of children with special needs about their situation, and the situation of their sibling. Better understanding between siblings promotes a calmer and healthier family environment.
Sibshops
Seattle Children's Sibshops are meant to celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Seattle Children's Sibshops for siblings of children with special health and development needs can be found for children with siblings suffering from these disorders:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Cystic fibrosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Heart, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal or lung disease
- Autism
- Cerebral palsy
- Down Syndrome
- ADHD
- Spina bifida
Sibshops are a wonderful way to provide support for the siblings of children with special needs. Often when dealing with the many issues that come with children with special needs, families may give less attention to their other children. While this is an understandable consequence of providing proper care to special needs children, it can put a strain on the family -- especially on siblings.
The Sibling Support Project
The Sibling Support Project was created for the sisters and brothers of individuals who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns. It provides community-based peer support programs for siblings, workshops, listservs, and websites to help families understand sibling issues. The Sibling Support Project provides information and support for siblings of all ages and at all stages of their lives.
You can find a Sibshop near you here, at The Sibling Support Project website.
