Do you have a child on the autism spectrum? Could the siblings of your autistic child benefit from some support navigating the unique experience of being a sibling to a child on the autism spectrum?
There are many wonderful things about being a sibling to a child on the autism spectrum, but there can also be challenges. Siblings play an important role in families and in the lives of autistic children. Some researchers have found that siblings of children with autism can experience heightened stress, responsibility and emotional difficulties.
At CliniKids, we offer an after-school program specially developed to support the siblings of children on the autism spectrum. The program is run in a group which offers the opportunity for siblings to meet other kids with similar experiences.The program focuses on supporting the sibling to understand autism better, as well as learn strategies to enhance their own wellbeing and resilience.
CliniSibs is facilitated by experienced Clinical Psychologists and is suitable for primary school aged children aged 7-12 years. We currently run the seven-week group with a specific age group (eg. 7-8 or 9-10) that changes each term. We recruit the groups from our waitlist for CliniSibs to ensure that the delivery of the content is tailored to the age of the group, and that the social relationships and experiences are more relatable.
Here is the weekly breakdown:
Week 1: Parent-only information session.
Week 2: Getting to know ME! Aim: Introduction to CliniSibs and develop an awareness about self and others
Week 3: 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 4: My sibling story Aim: Understand and explore the experience of being a sibling to a child with autism
Week 5: Understanding my feelings Aim: Explore the range of feelings associated with being a sibling and the individual experience of these feelings
Week 6: My big feelings Aim: Understanding the purpose of our big feelings and identifying coping strategies
Week 7: Looking after ME! Aim: Identify opportunities to access support people and understand how they can enhance the sibling experience
We are taking expressions of interest for the 2023 school year.
Please complete this form to register your interest.
Waitlist
Waitlist times vary, however, are currently estimated at 3-6 months for services at our Subiaco clinic.
We also have a new clinic in Joondalup and are accepting enquiries for services at this location.
For more information about our waitlist, and how to join, please contact our Reception on 6319 1133.