1. SESSION 7
The wider family
7.1

2. SESSION PLAN Dads. Brothers and sisters.
Grandparents and other relatives.
Take a break.
Setting up a support group.
7.2

3. WHAT’S IT LIKE FOR DADS? “My family become public property.”
“All my partner’s time is taken up with our special needs child.”
“I feel excluded from discussions with professionals.”
“What about how I feel?”
7.3a and 7.3b

4. ACTION POINTS TO HELP Attend appointments together.
Keep dads involved in discussions.
Share feelings.
Develop other interests.
Make time for each other.
7.4

5. WHAT ABOUT BROTHERS AND SISTERS?
Every parent feels guilty at times, but parents of special needs children can feel doubly guilty because they also worry about neglecting the needs of their other children.
7.5

6. BROTHERS AND SISTERS
How has your special needs child affected brothers, sisters or wider family members? What tips do the group have to help?
7.6

7. BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE TOO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE
Make time for them.
Keep them involved.
Don’t take their good nature for granted.
Let them have a life of their own.
7.7

8. GRANDPARENTS
Grandparents grieve too – and sometimes they struggle to understand.
Be understanding of how they feel.
Tell them how they can help.
They may struggle to come to terms with your child’s special need.
7.8

9. HOW SUPPORTIVE HAVE GRANDPARENTS AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS BEEN?
What helps?
Make family visits short and sweet.
Give them information to explain your child’s condition.
Encourage a child to bring along a favourite toy or book.
7.9

10. BREAK
7.10

11. GIVE TIME TO YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Look for ways of taking a break.
Find out about respite care.
Ask relatives or friends to babysit.
Join a support group.
7.11

12. ACCESS TO RESPITE CARE Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Ask your children’s services department to assess you for regular caring breaks.
Ask family and friends for help.
Don’t feel guilty.
7.12a and 7.12b

13. SETTING UP A SUPPORT GROUP
You could set up your own support group. Help is available from: Contact a Family Tel:
7.13

14. REFLECTION Today we have looked at: Last week’s focus for the week
Home and school issues
Children’s services
Rights and responsibilities
Special educational needs provision
Statutory provisions
Tips on learning and social skills
Communication with professionals
7.14

15. FINAL THOUGHTS What have you enjoyed most about the course?
What is the main thing you learnt from the course?
Name one hope that you have for your family’s future.
7.15

16. THANK YOU FOR COMING
7.16