“Super Sibs” - Sibling Support
Supporting the brothers and sisters of the child with a disability
The longest lasting relationship in a family is a sibling relationship. Literature and research indicates if we support typically developing siblings as they grow up, we increase the chances they will elect to remain lovingly involved as adults with their brother or sister with a disability.
Throughout their lives, brothers and sisters of children with disabilities will share many—if not most—of the same concerns their parents will experience, as well as issues that are uniquely theirs. Among the concerns mentioned by parents, and siblings themselves include: feelings of isolation, guilt, resentment, jealousy, anger, embarrassment, worry about sibling, perceived pressure to achieve, increased care giving demands, and concerns about their role in their sibling's future.
Senses Foundation’s Sibling Support Program is proven in its methods and directed by professionals with expertise in counselling and psychology, to address the specific needs and concerns of siblings who have a brother or sister with such disability. By providing support to siblings from an early age to prepare them for the challenges they will face in life, parents too can feel greatly supported and their anxiety and worries for the wellbeing of each of the children’s needs can be addressed.
Brothers and sisters of people with disabilities are often overlooked by agencies who serve people with disabilities; even though siblings generally have the longest family relationships and the numbers are vast. Increasingly, agencies are broadening their attention to include all family members, and are becoming aware of the need to support the brothers and sisters of children with a disability.
Senses Foundation has an extensive program to address the many needs of siblings and strengthen bonds with their brother or sister with a disability.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information contact Karen Wickham, Social Worker (08) 9473 5462 or lsfs@senses.asn.au
