Siblings of Special Needs Children

When a child is born with a disability, it can deeply affect all members of a family. Siblings must suddenly adjust to a brother or sister who may require a large portion of family time, attention, money, and support. It is an important aspect of the family because the reactions of the neurotypical sibling/s to a sibling with a disability can destroy the self-esteem of both children.
The relationship between and among siblings is special in any family. They form the firt social network for each other and are an important influence on each other's lives. In an average family, they play together in their early years but as they grow together they may take on more roles with each other maybe as teachers, follower, protector, confidant, role model etc. This relationship pattern may not be the same in a family with a disabled child where the child may demand more of a sibling's attention depending on them as playmates and companions for a long time. Experts say it lays open a door to feelings of resentment and a sense of burden in siblings of child with disability.
Local families with children other than the child with disability can take advantage of the upcoming clinic at the Quinte Children Treatment Centre to address this aspect of family life. It's called SIBLING WORKSHOP on APRIL 30, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm at Charlotte's Sills building of QCTC. It's on a PA day and for ages 6 to 10. Registration is limited to 10 children. Lunch will be provided, they say. Please call Lorell Stevenson, Social worker at 613-969-7400 x 2834 or email lstevenson@qhc.on.ca to register.