SIBLING GROUP THROUGH THE LAUREL PROGRAM

Our first Sibling Group was offered to families in the month of October and November. It was offered in response to Community Living BC’s request (Simon Fraser Region) that something be made available for siblings of children with autism. Families with children with disabilities can undergo considerable stress, and this can include young siblings who may not have the tools or strategies for coping. 

The group ran every Tuesday evening (6:00 – 7:30 pm) for 8 weeks.  Participants ranged in age from 8 to 12 years.

The primary purposes of the group were for the children to establish a support network with other siblings and to identify behavioural strategies to help them resolve some of the challenges they were experiencing with their siblings.  Each week we discussed the individual areas of concern, developed “data sheets” that each participant took home to track these concerns for a week (baseline data), and then the following week we brainstormed, as a group, some things each child might try at home in order to resolve the concern (great ideas, Madison and Kendra!). The following week the participants discussed how these ideas worked for them, and they either continued implementing those strategies, tried new ones, or moved on to new concerns. During the session we also tracked things like our ability to listen, participate, take turns, and make eye contact (thanks, Nolan, for all your work keeping track!).

We also played games, talked about positive things about each sibling, shared pictures, did some Origami (thanks Annika, I still have my basket – amazing!), and had snacks.

The sessions were specifically designed to accommodate the dynamic nature of the group. All participants (and their parents) told us they were sorry to see the group end, and asked to come back when the next group starts. Wrote one participant:

Sibs group has helped me so much. During the eight weeks I have gone I have learned some things to help me when I am around my brother…I enjoyed the group and suggest the group to other kids who’s siblings have a disability…

We want to thank Cathy Anthony and the Simon Fraser Society for Community Living for providing us with the meeting space, and the staff (Helen and Megan) for opening and closing the premises.

We will continue to provide the service in the coming year. Information about the upcoming sessions will be posted on our website (www.laurel.mapcl.org).

Joanne Beattie