QSAC offered its sixth Sibling Support Group this summer which had the largest turn out of all the previous summer sessions. There were a total of 13 siblings in attendance. This was a group experience offered to siblings of QSAC students once a week for 5 weeks in the evenings. The Sibling Group was comprised of 2 groups, which were separated according to age. The age range was from 5 to 16 years old.
While the siblings were in their groups, the parents were in support group with school social worker Madelyn Wolfin, and the QSAC students were in respite. This set up allowed the entire family to participate.
QSAC’s Sibling Support Group provided an opportunity for brothers and sisters of children with autism to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context.
The group offered these children a chance to meet with each other in a fun, relaxing and supportive environment. It was a wonderful experience devoted to the sometimes forgotten or "lost in the shuffle" siblings of those with autism.
The Sibling Group shared information and discussion activities, which proved to be just as fun and rewarding for the facilitators as it was for the participants.
Siblings had special concerns and feelings. They needed acknowledgement of their concerns and feelings, and help in dealing with their feelings and emotions. Weekly discussions focused on important topics such as understanding autism, building self-esteem and building stronger sibling relationships and support networks.
Brothers and sisters had much to offer one another since they were given the chance. The group facilitators were Madelyn Wolfin, Preschool and Day School Social Worker, QSAC’s Director of Training, Anne Denning, QSAC Director the After School Program, Dita Ruc, QSAC’s Assistant Director of the After School Program, Rocio Chavez and QSAC’s Director of Family Services, Carolyn Abbott
A special thank you to all the families who participated in the Sibling Group - without them this would not have been possible!
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