Sibling relationships are one of the most important in life.  By supporting the siblings of people with Asperger Syndrome, the entire family benefits.  

In 2010 ASSN Vic invited Meg Moorhouse to speak at an evening seminar, which was very well attended.  She has kindly provided these PowerPoint presentation notes for us to share with our members.  

Click here to download her talk "Teen Siblings - A Survival Guide" which she also presented at the Victorian Autism Conference 2010.  (Please note the file size is 3.3 MB)

SIBLINGS SUPPORT

Time Out Siblings Program

Melbourne Citymission’s T.I.M.E Out Sibling Program runs groups for children who have a brother or a sister with a disability.  The program is called “TIME Out” which stands for“This Is Me Everybody !”. TIME Out Sibling Support Program aims to give young people:

• an opportunity to develop confidence, strategies and skills in living in a family where there is a child with a disability·
• the chance to get to know others who have had a similar experience
• some space and time in a fun, safe and understanding group

We run 3 activities:

• Groups for 8-13 year olds.  These run every 2^nd Tuesday from 4.30pm – 6.30pm.  One operates from Brunswick and the other from Broadmeadows. 
• Teens Program – “Give Me 5” held monthly for teen siblings and young carers in Reservoir
• Excursions -  during school holidays, 2 or 3 times per year.  These are open to children attending any of the groups.  Cost is $5 - $10.

Meg Moorhouse is Coordinator - Melbourne City Mission, 123 Albion St., Brunswick 3056 - phone 9385 3211 - email: siblingsprogram@mcm.org.au

From SIBS -  A Sib or Sibling is someone who has a brother or sister with a disability or chronic illness. Since April 2002, Association For Children with a Disability has been working to develop resources to both support Siblings directly, and to assist parents in supporting their own Sibs. For hard copies of any of their Sibs resources including their Sibs booklet or “Through The Maze” & “Supporting Siblings”.

contact the Association office on 03 9818 2000, freecall 1800 654 013 (rural callers) or mail@acd.org.au or visit http://www.acd.org.au/siblings/index.htm

Also visit  Siblink www.siblink.org.au ,a website for primary aged Sibs. Siblink presents users with the stories of four fictional Sibs to introduce them to the idea that they are not the only person out there who has a brother or sister with a disability or illness. Includes Sib-related games as well as the opportunity to write in their own stories and thoughts and write comments to each other over the internet.

SIBLINGS AUSTRALIA INC.
The aims of Siblings Australia are to:

• Increase awareness amongst parents, siblings & service providers, of the concerns of siblings of children with special needs
• Increase the provision of services to families and, in particular, siblings
• Improve networking opportunities for families and siblings to support each other
• Increase the opportunities for service providers to network and share/improve their skills in supporting siblings
• Enhance the inclusion of sibling support as part of ‘core business’ of relevant organisations

Location : Norwich Centre, North Adelaide SA 5006 Phone/Fax: 08 8361 8361
Email: info@siblingsaustralia.org.au   Website: www.siblingsaustralia.org.au

Siblings in Sync at the Arts Centre

During school holidays the Arts Centre runs music programmes for siblings via the Special Needs Access Programme at the Arts Centre Digital Learning Hub. This involved two fun interactive music sessions for kids with special needs & their siblings managed by some lovely skilled music therapists.  Keep an eye on their website for more details at http://www.theartscentre.com.au/whats-on/event.aspx?id=2399. 

And lastly, some other resources, pulled together by our Newsletter Editor:

Siblings written / video material :

• Siblings: Brothers and Sisters of c hildren With Special Needs”, Kate Strohm, (Wakefield Press, 2002)  (Avail. At Open Leaves)
• “What About Me? The Autism Survival Guide for Kids”, A. Koutsis et al (Avail. At Peoplemaking, or Wantirna Heights School, 9720 7492)
• “Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families” S. Harris & B Glasberg (Woodbine House, 2003)
•  “Special Brothers and Sisters: Stories and Tips…” , ed. Hames & McCaffery (Avail. At Open Leaves)
• “Views from Our Shoes: Growing Up with a Bro. Or Sis. With Special Needs”, Ed. D Meyer (Avail Silvereye Educational Publications Pty Ltd, 02 4933 9797)
• “Video: Just Care For Us: Supporting Young Carers” (Avail from Carers Vic)

We will be trying to get some of these resources for our library, so watch out for the new catalogue, or browse our resources online via the Library page.

Last updated on June 27, 2011 by Lyndel Kennedy