Siblings play a crucial role in the lives of children with autism, however, findings in the area of sibling adjustment and coping can be conflicting. For example, some researchers have found siblings to experience heightened stress and emotional difficulties due to the increased responsibilities and challenges a child with autism can present in a family.
Others have found their sibling experience to enhance their empathy, psychosocial wellbeing and resilience, in addition to developing their perspective taking skills and independence. Despite such differences, the literature strongly advocates for the sibling experience to be better understood and supported given their contribution to improving the outcomes for their brother or sister with autism.
What is CliniSibs?
Having a sibling with autism brings with it some wonderful positive moments as well as unique challenges. CliniKids recognises that siblings play an essential role in the family system and as a result, we have developed an evidence-based program to support siblings along their journey. We are excited to announce we will be offering CliniSibs, a sibling therapy group designed to assist and support siblings of a child with autism. The aim of the program is to enhance the sibling’s resilience and psychosocial and emotional wellbeing through their shared sibling experience, enabling them to feel more adept at coping with difficult and challenging sibling situations. This will be achieved by providing a nurturing and supportive environment for siblings to express themselves and enhance their sense of self through the development of emotional regulation strategies.
CliniSibs will incorporate a range of group discussions, craft activities, video and role play content to integrate the child’s learning from the clinic to your home. Through these session topics, your child will also explore the unique qualities and strengths of their sibling relationship and how these can be fostered. Our aim is to assist siblings to feel connected, valued and worthy in their role and also assist them in developing their coping skills and sense of self-worth in a safe and fun therapeutic space.
Each week the program will explore the following topics:
Week 1) Getting to know ME! Aim: Introduction to CliniSibs and develop an awareness about self and others.
Week 2) What is autism? Aim: Develop an awareness of autism and confidence in identifying the sibling’s strengths and challenges, and communicating this to others.
Week 3) My sibling story. Aim: Understand and explore the experience of being a sibling to a child with autism.
Week 4) Understanding my feelings. Aim: Explore the range of feelings associated with being a sibling and the individual experience of these feelings.
Week 5) My big feelings. Aim: Understanding the purpose of our big feelings and identifying coping strategies.
Week 6) Looking after ME! Aim: Identify opportunities to access support people and understand how they can enhance the sibling experience.
CliniSibs will incorporate a range of group discussions, craft activities, video and role play content to integrate the child’s learning from the clinic to your home. Through these session topics, your child will also explore the unique qualities and strengths of their sibling relationship and how these can be fostered. Our aim is to assist siblings to feel connected, valued and worthy in their role and also assist them in developing their coping skills and sense of self-worth in a safe and fun therapeutic space.
Who is this suitable for?
The program is aimed at primary school aged children aged between 7-12 years, who have a sibling with autism. We currently run the groups according to age (7-9 and 10-12). CliniSibs will have a maximum of eight children to ensure children are provided with an opportunity to both learn and practice the skills from the program. The sessions run for 90 minutes.
How can I get involved?
CliniKids is currently taking expressions of interest for Term 3 and 4. Please complete this form to register your interest.
First published Tuesday 7 June 2022.