How to support Siblings of Children with special

How to support Siblings of Children with special needs Kellie Strong Welcome Parents and Educators!

SIBLING Statistics �An estimated seven million "typically developing" American children have siblings with disabilities, according to the Arc of the United States, a leading advocacy group for adults with developmental disabilities (Cook, 2006). Siblings of children with special needs have special needs themselves.

Presentation Overview � Explore typical behaviors and feelings of siblings of children with disabilities. � Discuss how to support and nurture a healthy relationship between siblings. � Check out resources available in your area!

Having a sibling with a disability can provide opportunities to develop many good qualities including: -patience -kindness and supportiveness -acceptance of differences -compassion and helpfulness -Feeling of pride about accomplishments of disabled sibling -empathy for others and insight into coping with challenges -dependability and loyalty that may come from standing up for their brother or sister. Boyse, K. (July 2009). Siblings of Kids with Special Needs. University of Michigan Health System. Retrieved from http: //www. med. umich. edu/yourchild/topics/specneed. htm

Siblings may express these common concerns or feelings: - resentfulness of having to explain, support, and take care of their sibling - embarrassment of their sibling’s differences - pressure to be or do what their sibling cannot - unusual worries - longing and jealousy for the attention given to their sibling - Guilt for the negative feelings they have towards their sibling - guilt for not having the same difficulties of their sibling, or being “spared” a disability Boyse, K. (July 2009). Siblings of Kids with Special Needs. University of Michigan Health Sy - care giving, especially if it conflicts with social plans Retrieved from http: //www. med. umich. edu/yourchild/topics/specneed. htm

Considerations for Support �Maintain constant and honest dialogue about their siblings’ disability (Schubert, 2004).

Considerations for Support �Plan for the future of your special needs child, and share this with your unaffected child. �Express to your child your “permission “and “blessing” for him/her to pursue his/her dreams. This way any future involvement with siblings is a choice and not an obligation (Schubert, 2004).

Considerations for Support �Avoid using siblings as caregivers. Treat your unaffected child as a child, not another adult caretaker. Don’t expect her to take on responsibilities for which she is unprepared (Schubert, 2004).

Considerations for Support �Give siblings choices and involve them in decision making. Discuss family matters with your children, especially if it affects them personally. Ask and value their opinion (Fiedler, Simpson, and Clark, 2007).

Considerations for Support Try to provide as many opportunities for your child to interact with other siblings of children with disabilities so that they can relate to others and see that they are not alone in their experiences and feelings (Fiedler, Simpson, and Clark, 2007).

Considerations for Support � Advances in technology have allowed online networking, blogs, and professional support and advisement available to access from home (Fiedler, Simpson, and Clark, 2007). � There are many recreation events created to provide opportunities for siblings with common experiences to interact.

Popular workshops • • “Sibshops are lively, pedal-to -the-metal celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of kids with special needs” (SIBS, 2012). These events are a great place for siblings to meet other siblings and gain peer support. http: //www. siblingsupport. or g/

Popular Books to share with your child

Popular Books for Parents

Resources for Parents �Newsletters National Association of Sibling Programs (NASP) The Sibling Information Network Newsletter �Websites/Organizations Sibling Support Project http: //www. siblingsupport. org/ Sibs-for brothers and sisters http: //www. sibs. org. uk/ �Films Featuring Sibling Issues � Tru Confessions (Disney Channel Movie) � What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (PG-13)

References Arledge, R. (Writer). (2005, July 25). Sister Has Bond with Autistic Brother [Television Series Episode]. ABC News’ 20/20. United States: Mobile Video Productions Inc. Boyse, K. (July 2009). Siblings of Kids with Special Needs. University of Michigan Health System. Retrieved from http: //www. med. umich. edu/yourchild/topics/specneed. htm Cook, G. (2006). Siblings of Disabled Have Their Own Troubles. The New York Times. Retrieved from http: //www. nytimes. com/2006/04/04/health/04 sibs. html