Support Groups: Siblings

The “Kit for Kids” is designed to teach elementary and middle school students about their peers with autism. The kit is centered around an illustrated, fold-out booklet called, “What’s Up with Nick?”

Additionally, there is a web video and activity workbooks that expand upon the information presented in the “What’s Up with Nick?” story and give students a chance to engage with the material they just learned in the lesson. There are different workbooks for students in grades K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-8. They can be assigned as independent or group classwork, or as homework.

For more information, to order a print copy of the Kit for Kids, or to start a peer education initiative in your school district, please contact Ben Kaufman at (703)243-9762 or programs@researchautism.org.

The clinic is designed to help siblings talk about the realities of life with a sibling who has a disability. During their individual visits, the child or adolescent will work to address concerns at home, along with developing coping skills & practice stress reduction techniques that will not only benefit the child, but the family as a whole.

Accepts most insurance.

Sibling Support Project is for brothers and sisters of intellectually or developmentally impacted individuals to connect with another through online groups for teen and adult siblings, workshops on sibling issues internationally and in every state and local communities that have started Sibshops—lively peer support groups for school-age brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.

Their website includes a master directory, so you can find the closest Sibshop to you.

Siblings of Autism has a long-term goal of helping to develop programs to connect and support siblings of individuals on the spectrum via shared experiences, peer group support, and funding for professional counseling.

The non-profit also distributes scholarships for education and other defined needs for those that have a sibling on the spectrum as well as a goal to offer respite programs for siblings and other family members.

Sibshops are designed to be a safe, fun, and special place for these kids, where they will find peer support and education that is recreational, with an emphasis on fun. The group is open to siblings in 3rd through 5th grades. Each Sibshop will be a three-hour session from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, with lunch included.

Read this flyer for more information.

Brothers and sisters of children with special needs meet other siblings in a relaxed recreational setting where they can express their feelings and create friendships.

Sibshops are held quarterly with sessions typically scheduled in February, May, August, and November. Programming runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Eastside and Westside locations.

A website focused on collaboration of creative abilities of people on the autism spectrum and others who are neurotypical.

The Art of Autism accepts many art forms, including blog posts, art, poetry, video submissions and requests for book and film reviews. They seek diverse viewpoints including those from people with autism, parents, siblings, therapists, and others.

They also offer various art opportunities for kids to use creativity to express themselves.

Pairs teenage volunteers and children with special needs for social opportunities.
There are several programs, including social activities, respite services, parent support events, a sibling support group, an Asperger’s family support group, and winter camps.