FoggyRock General Forum

AIsForAutism · 2008-03-27 19:04:21

Hi,
I don't have this situation personally, but a friend of mine has started a Sibling Support Group at her church and I thought I'd share the idea in case anyone else has considered this idea. Too often, especially in families with autism, the needs of the child with the issue/challenge unavoidably gets a lot of attention from the parents (due to behavioral issues, medical issues, financial issues, taxi issues, appointment issues, etc.). What effect does this have on the sibling(s) and their ability to cope somewhat on their own. I am not writing this attacking anyone's parenting skills, because that is not what is of issue. My concern is that sometimes the siblings can "fall through the cracks" or "stand on the sidelines" while the more pressing concerns are addressed.

So, I just wanted to mention the idea of a support group. My friend has her group for siblings of anyone with a disability...in other words, it doesn't matter if your brother/sister has autism, downs syndrome, epilepsy, whatever...something that this sibling has to deal with also and sometimes with parents who are busy tackling the big issues. They share a book each meeting (many of which are on autism) and discuss it. They sometimes just do crafts or activities. They each have a journal for writing their thoughts and are able to share IF they choose to share. It's a safe place for them to vent and explain what it feels like to be a sibling (sometimes embarrassing, sometimes lonely, sometimes sad, sometimes mad and sometimes proud). Although this group takes place at a church, membership is not required.

One thing I have found in researching for my children's books on autism is that many of these siblings go from hating the autism disability, many go into professions of care and treating of the disability once they get the whole perspective of their experience.

There are many books on sibling viewpoints. I know several regarding autism if anyone is interested.

BYE

slhh130 · 2008-03-28 08:54:05

Ours will meet tomorrow! We started in February and has been a great success. My close friend started it and does an awesome job and I am not just sayingthihs because she is my friend. It truly is a wonderful experience for these kids. I love their smiles and hearing the views from their shoes!

Aaronsmom · 2008-03-29 13:55:20

I've been looking for books for my children, specifically my oldest son, to help them understand and deal with Aaron's needs. I'm the type that loves to flip through a book before buying it and I have found it difficult to find this type of book at B&N.

I love the idea of a support group for siblings, too! I could see my children benefiting greatly from the opportunity to express their feelings away from mom and to see that there are other families out there that have similar issues. I think in a lot of ways my kids feel like our family is "weird."

AIsForAutism · 2008-03-30 20:33:50

Regarding finding books related to autism on specific subjects, I highly recommend you go to one of three sites that specializes in autism related material...versus going to a local book store and just choosing from what limited choices they have...usually not what you are seeking.

Here are the three main publishers of autism material that I know:

AUTISM ASPERGER PUBLISHING COMPANY www.asperger.net
JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHING www.JKP.COM
FUTURE HORIZONS www.futurehorizons-autism.com

I am partial to the first publisher mentioned because they have published two of my children's books...and they are very family-oriented and informed about autism. Both of my books target the typical peers who are being introduced to autism who will come into contact with the child who has autism...whether in the classroom, in the community or anywhere! My first book, A IS FOR AUTISM, F IS FOR FRIEND, is written from the perspective of a 10 year old girl who has autism geered toward elementary school kids. It's a chapter book. Each chapter ends with TALK TIME for kids to discuss issues related to autism from that chapter.

My upcoming book IN HIS SHOES follows a 13-year-old non-verbal boy with autism as he transitions to middle school...his challenges, new ventures and successes. This one also has a section for discussion after each chapter...titled POINTS TO PONDER.

I just thought I'd mention those two books in case you knew of anyone who might find them helpful. Again, these are for the peers so that autism can be introduced in a fun and discussion-oriented format.

Joanna K-V
www.AisForAutism.net

slhh130 · 2008-03-31 16:32:34

There are plenty of books on amazon.com for that subject.

AIsForAutism · 2008-04-29 00:34:24

Absolutely, Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer an abundance fabulous books that are great for sibling support groups. However, sometimes the actual stores don't carry a wide selection.

AIsForAutism · 2008-04-29 00:38:40

Just a quick note, I just previewed a new book titled Knowing Joseph by Judith Mammay which would be terrific to use for a sibling support group. It's targeted at upper elementary school age kids and is a chapter book. The main character is Brian who has a younger brother, Joseph, who has autism. Brian struggles with trying to be a good brother while also dealing with peer pressure...and support. There is a more thorough review under BOOK REVIEW forum. I thought you might enjoy hearing about a new book though. I think it would not only help siblings, but be a good book to introduce autism to typical peers.

Joanna K-V

FoggyRock General Forum

#1 2008-03-27 19:04:21

SIBLING SUPPORT GROUPS

#2 2008-03-28 08:54:05

Re: SIBLING SUPPORT GROUPS

#3 2008-03-29 13:55:20

Re: SIBLING SUPPORT GROUPS

#4 2008-03-30 20:33:50

Re: SIBLING SUPPORT GROUPS

#5 2008-03-31 16:32:34

Re: SIBLING SUPPORT GROUPS

#6 2008-04-29 00:34:24

Re: SIBLING SUPPORT GROUPS

#7 2008-04-29 00:38:40

Re: SIBLING SUPPORT GROUPS

Board footer