ELAINE GIANG, HUMBER COLLEGE EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVANCED STUDIES IN SPECIAL NEEDS Sibling Support.
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Transcript of ELAINE GIANG, HUMBER COLLEGE EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVANCED STUDIES IN SPECIAL NEEDS Sibling Support.
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