Sibshops - Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
"Sibshops" is a guidebook for organising and conducting workshops for siblings of children with a broad variety of special needs. These workshops provide children and young adults with much-needed social and emotional support from their peers in a recreational and fun atmosphere. They can speak openly about how they feel (positively and negatively) about having a brother or sister with special needs in an understanding and supportive environment. Read full article
How to Support Siblings of Children with Special Needs
In spite of the challenges, many siblings say that having a brother or sister with a disability or chronic illness enriched their lives; that they have developed empathy, strength, tolerance and patience because of their sibling relationship. ...However, siblings of children with special needs do need special consideration. In Siblings Australia’s 2009 report, Supporting Siblings of Children with Special Needs, the authors refer to research indicating that siblings may experience “significant long-term physical and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and relationship difficulties if their needs are left unaddressed. Read full article
