Chicago Special Parent Magazine 2008

SIBLINGS from page 21 parents address this often-challenging family situation, yet they also have little control over the situation day by day. Young children, especially those ages 3 to 5, may engage in what Children’s Memorial Hospital medical psychologist Constance M. Weil calls “magical thinking,” in which they wonder whether they did or said something to make their sibling sick. They may even worry that they will get sick themselves. As they get older, though, the feelings may become more concrete, such as anger, jealousy or resentment. “They might feel angry if they have to take on more responsibility than their sibling or guilty if they resent the additional responsibility,” says Weil. Jordan Sadler, a Chicago area speech pathologist who works with children with autism spectrum disorders, says children with autism may have trouble connecting and communicating with their siblings. “At our clinic, we do a lot of work with siblings, facilitating play between sibs and also supporting them with sibling support groups as needed,” she says. Handling the feelings Talk, talk, talk is the key here. Parents should encourage children to talk about how their sibling’s special needs makes them feel and really listen without being critical, Weil says. For older children, a support group may be another place where they can share their thoughts without judgment. Sadler recommends connecting your child with other children his or her age in similar situations; they’ll benefit from interacting with children who are experiencing a lot of the same emotions, which will help to show them it’s OK to feel the way they do. “Get kids together for play dates or form a support group for them; many social Little Friends Center for Autism (630) 305-6039 www.littlefriendsinc.org Evaluations – Parent & Professional Training Consultations – ABA Life Skills Training (BASICS) Visual Training Products – Support Groups Social Skills Groups – Counseling Information & Referral “Having a child with special needs has lasting impact on all the members of the family, but perhaps none is as great as that felt by siblings.” JUDY WINTER Author We provide: Comprehensive state of the art diagnostics for children & adolescents An innovative approach to Toilet Training Consultation & training to schools, parents & agencies Home-based & school ABA and Life Skills consultation Services provided by top experts in the ﬁeld of Autism 22 | workers or clinical psychologists are open to facilitating such a group,” she says. Stacey Anderson, a child specialist who works with families of children with special needs, stresses consistency in family life. This includes maintaining a set schedule and routine as much as possible. Time should be scheduled in the calendar each week for the sibling to have time alone with their parent, away from doctors and hospitals. Additionally, provide them their own private space, she says. “That way, they know their toys will be undisturbed and they have a space to center their thoughts and focus on their own emotions, play time and school work.” Weil also stresses the power of knowledge. “Siblings of children with disabilities need information about their brother’s or sister’s disability in language they can understand and use to explain to others. They may need reassurance about their sibling’s ability to have a happy and productive life.” Melissa Blake is a freelance writer living in DeKalb. Specıal Parent 2008 CHICAGO | ChicagoParent.com http://www.littlefriendsinc.org http://ChicagoParent.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Chicago Special Parent Magazine 2008

Chicago Special Parent Magazine 2008 Contents In Our Shoes Of Mothers and Mission Control A Love Story Keeping the Whole Family Well What Do I Do? Resources God's Special Child Our Kids Inspirations

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