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

Agenda Introduction/Purpose Impact on Siblings Explaining Autism to Siblings How to involve the siblings Resources Feedback

Introduction/Purpose Siblings may be overlooked or paid less attention to Integrated part of the family Siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Some ideas on how to explain and involve siblings Terms  Sibling = sister or brother of child with ASD  Child = child with ASD

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Neurological disorder Three main criteria  Delays in speech and communication  Difficulties/delays in social interactions  Repetitive behaviours or restricted interest Each child is different Fall somewhere on a spectrum for these three criteria

Impact on Siblings Frustration/anger Sadness/upset Jealousy/envy Embarrassment Fear/Afraid Independent Be a caregiver Advocate Proud Compassionate

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 level Tips 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 experience Believe they caused their sibling to have autism Ability to pretend and magical thinking Reassure fears and correct mistaken thinking Simple, concrete, factual explanations  Ex. lining up toy cars in a row = definition of autism Create 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 terms Watch for opportunities to offer information/initiate discussion  Ex. child with autism starting a new school or after a tantrum Growing 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)

Explaining to Adolescents Cognitive – abstract reasoning Explain that autism is neurological disorder Opportunity and resources to research autism Behaviours that are specific to child that indicate autism Have an open conversation about feelings Need parents’ support

How to involve the siblings? Having the sibling be the peer model/playmate  Teaching the sibling play skills to interact with child Having the sibling involved with activities/ intervention  Ex. sports for children with special needs; speech sessions Having 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 sibling Siblings have the opportunity to pursue their own interests Do not force responsibilities upon them Encourage 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 family Starts with helping them understand autism Allowing them to voice their opinion and feelings Make them feel important and a part of the family

NATIONAL SIBLING DAY Friday, April 10 th, 2015 NATIONAL SIBLING DAY Friday, April 10 th, 2015 WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY Thursday, April 2 nd, 2015 WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY Thursday, April 2 nd, 2015 Some Important Days Images retrieved from Google Images

QUESTIONS? CONTACT: Thank you!

NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY Friday, April 10th, 2015 Image retrieved from Google Images

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY Thursday, April 2 nd, 2015 Image retrieved from

Reference Cook, R., Klein, D & Chen, D. (2012). Adapting early childhood curricula for children with special needs. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc. Harris, S. L. & Glasberg, B. (2003) Siblings of children with Autism. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. Wiseman, N. (2009). The first year: Autism Spectrum Disorders. Da Capo Lifelong Books.