ELAINE GIANG,HUMBER COLLEGE EARLY CHILDHOOD

ADVANCED STUDIES IN SPECIAL NEEDS

Sibling Support

Agenda

Introduction/PurposeImpact on SiblingsExplaining Autism to SiblingsHow to involve the siblingsResourcesFeedback

Introduction/Purpose

Siblings may be overlooked or paid less attention to

Integrated part of the familySiblings of children with Autism Spectrum

DisorderSome ideas on how to explain and involve

siblingsTerms

Sibling = sister or brother of child with ASD Child = child with ASD

Impact on Siblings

Frustration/angerSadness/upsetJealousy/envyEmbarrassmentFear/Afraid

IndependentBe a caregiverAdvocateProudCompassionate

Impact on Siblings (cont.)

Siblings: Have greater understanding of people

with disabilities, and are more accepting Can educate others on difficulties of their

sibling and others with autism, and advocate

Are often more mature Have a deep understanding of life Often choose a helping profession

(Cook, Klein & Chen, 2012; L. McDonald, personal communication)

Explaining ASD to Siblings

Depends on sibling’s cognitive levelTips to explaining:

Talk about and address any emotions Help siblings cope with their feelings Learn about the needs of the siblings Tactful, open, honest communication

about disability and issues related to it Stay neutral

Questions to start off the conversation

Have you ever heard of the word “Autism”? Tell me about it

How do people get Autism?You’ve told me a lot of Autism. How does having

Autism make your brother's life different than it would be without Autism?

When he grows up, how will Autism make your brother’s life different than it would have been without Autism?

How does having a brother with Autism make your life different than it would have been if he did not have Autism?

When you grow up, will having a brother with autism make your life different than if you had a brother without Autism?

(Harris & Glasberg, 2003; p.36, Table 2-1 Questions for Siblings)

Explaining to Early Childhood Siblings

Cognitive – based on own experienceBelieve they caused their sibling to have

autismAbility to pretend and magical thinkingReassure fears and correct mistaken thinkingSimple, concrete, factual explanations

Ex. lining up toy cars in a row = definition of autismCreate a social story summarizing what

sibling knows about brother’s autism

Table 3-1 Telling Your Child About Autism

In Early Childhood• You can’t catch Autism.• It is nobody’s fault.• He hasn’t learned to talk yet.• I will keep you safe.

Explaining to Middle Childhood Siblings

Cognitive – emergence of logical thinking; link experiences together

Understand disorder and its impact; brain problem

Basic information in simple termsWatch for opportunities to offer

information/initiate discussion Ex. child with autism starting a new school or after a

tantrumGrowing reliance on peer groups, talk to

sibling about how to respond to friends

Table 3-1 (cont.)

In Middle Childhood• Autism happens before a person is born or is a tiny

baby.• It is a problem in the brain.• It causes problems with talking, playing,

understanding other people’s feelings.• People with Autism can learn, but it takes a lot of

work• If your brother is aggressive, it is my job to help

him, not yours.• You can help him by playing and by showing him

how to do things.• If your friends have questions, I can help you figure

out what to say.(Harris & Glasberg, 2003, p. 65)

How to involve the siblings?

Having the sibling be the peer model/playmate Teaching the sibling play skills to interact with

childHaving the sibling involved with activities/

intervention Ex. sports for children with special needs; speech

sessionsHaving sibling and child do an activity

together Ex. puzzle – brings closeness (100 days tips)

Have them help out with daily tasks Ex. take on some responsibilities appropriate for

their age

(Harris & Glasberg, 2002; Wiseman, 2009)

BUT ensure…

One-on-one time with the siblingSiblings have the opportunity to pursue their

own interestsDo not force responsibilities upon themEncourage siblings to join sibling support

groups

Resources

Autism Ontario Sibshops (York Region - run second Monday evening of

each month) Sibling Social Groups (Age 7-11; Toronto)

Autism Speak Sibling Guide

Geneva Center Young Carers Sibling Group (Ages 8-12)

Kinark Child and Family Services Respite volunteer service Outdoor Center – Family Camps

Kerry’s Place Autism Services Sibling Support Groups Family Support Groups

Resources (cont.)

Books Ian’s Walk by Laurie Lears Waiting for Benjamin by Alexandra Jessup Altman Siblings of Children with Autism by Sandra Harris & Beth

Glasberg Sibling Stories. Reflections on Life with a Brother or Sister

on the Autism Spectrum Books by or edited by Don Meyer, creator of Sibshops

Websites Sibling Support Project Center for Parent Information and Resources Research Autism Organization – Parent’s Guide to

Supporting Siblings

A Personal Perspective

In Conclusion…

Siblings are an integrated part of the familyStarts with helping them understand autismAllowing them to voice their opinion and

feelingsMake them feel important and a part of the

family

NATIONAL SIBLING DAYFriday, April 10th, 2015

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

Thursday, April 2nd, 2015

Some Important Days

Images retrieved from Google Images

QUESTIONS?

CONTACT: gngl0048@humbermail .ca

Thank you!