The Importance of Involving Siblings: The Service Provider Role

Katie Arnold, M.S. & Tara Conley, M.A. katie.arnold@siblingleadership.com; tara@sibsnetwork.org (312) 996-1002; (708)989-3619
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Background
Siblings have longest relationship Siblings have been traditionally overlooked The sibling experience is varied and important
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Sibling Research Across the Lifespan

Increased attention has been brought to the sibling role and experience, especially as parents age Focus of early research was negative Research has become more holistic

Little longitudinal research

Review of the Literature

One primary sibling most involved, usually sister More involved if geographically close If siblings are involved, parents are better off Expectations for future caregiving

Sibling Concerns
Embarrassment and guilt Isolation, loneliness, and loss Resentment Increased responsibility/Caregiving Pressures to achieve Anger or jealousy Fears of the future
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What do siblings want parents & professionals to know?

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What Siblings Want Parents and Service Providers to Know

The Right to One's Own Life Acknowledging Siblings Concerns Expectations for Typically-Developing Sibs Expect Typical Behavior From TypicallyDeveloping Siblings Expectations for the Family Member with Special Needs The Right to a Safe Environment

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What Siblings Want Parents and Service Providers to Know

Opportunities to Meet Peers Opportunities to Obtain Information Sibs Concerns about the Future Including Both Sons and Daughters Communication One-on-One time with Parents Celebrate Parents Perspective is More Important than the Actual Disability

What Siblings Want Parents and Service Providers to Know

Include Siblings in the Definition of

Family Actively Reach Out to Brothers and Sisters Learn More About Life as a Sibling Create Local Programs Specifically for Sibs Include Brothers and Sisters on Advisory Boards and in Policies Regarding Families Fund Services for Brothers and Sisters
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Sibling Opportunities
Maturity Insight Tolerance Vocation Advocacy Loyalty Increased social competence

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Sibling Stories

Siblings: Nick & Tara

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Sibling Stories

Sisters: Patrice, Maggie, and Katie

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Challenges to involving siblings

Time Distance Information not give to siblings/finding siblings The parents worry of burdening the sibling Siblings not realizing they need and deserve support too Family/cultural perspectives
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Tips and strategies for service providers

Provide age-appropriate information to sibs Provide opportunities to meet other siblings of individuals with special needs Encourage communication Encourage parents to set aside time Learn more about siblings' experiences Future planning is important Invite siblings to meetings & trainings
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Tips and strategies for service providers

Seek out siblings to serve on boards/committees Encourage therapists (OT, PT, ABA, etc) to include siblings in sessions. Sibs are the next generation of caregivers Emphasis FAMILY support in service plan Siblings need as much support and information as their parents and brother or sister with special needs Use broad terminology
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Your success with families may depend on your relationship with the siblings.

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How can siblings help service providers?

Information Advocacy Support Caregiving

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Resources

Sibling Support Project

www.siblingsupport.org
Sibshopsgatherings for sibs to obtain peer support and education within a recreational setting
SibKidsyoung siblings connect over the internet SibParenta listserv where parents of kids with disabilities can talk about their other kids

SibNetlistserv for adult siblings

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www.siblingleadership.org
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www.sibsnetwork.org
Join at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AdultSibsNet/ Find us on Facebook at SIBS Network

Future Planning Resources

www.rrtcadd.org

www.lookiris.com

Save the Date

March 20th, 2012

Including Siblings Conference at College of DuPage

Details will be at www.thearcofil.org
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Video about SiblingsSpecial Siblings, Special Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve-yGz5KzYs

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Summary
Siblings are an important group and have the potential to make a big difference! SUPPORT SIBLINGS!!!! Celebrate National Sibling Day on April 10th!

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QUESTIONS

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