Resources for Siblings
Siblings of children with special needs sometimes feel alone and left out. The following resources contain many helpful suggestions for helping all family members cope with disability and illness.
"Aunt Blabby": A Helpful Exercise for Siblings
This is an exercise used in Sibshop workshops to help siblings discuss their feelings and experiences in a non-threatening way. Siblings answer letters written by other siblings and offer advice.
Children with Disabilities: Understanding Sibling Issues
Article from the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) which discusses sibling reactions to chronic illness. Also offers guidelines and suggestions for parents and siblings.
Philadelphia Office:
100
N. 20th Street
Suite 201
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-977-8830
215-977-8228 (FAX #)
Pittsburgh
Office:
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
One
Children's Hospital Drive
4401 Penn Avenue
AOB, 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
1-877-KID-VENT
Family Village
This site integrates information, resources and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with mental retardation and other disabilities, for their families, and for those who provide them services and support.
My Brother is Different: Sibling Relationships
Article from Betty B. Osman, Ph.D. and the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Discusses the effects of having a learning disabled sibling.
Sibling Groups in the Pittsburgh Area:
North: Easter Seals, Rita Costa, (412) 281-7244
East:
West: The Watson Institute, Lorrie Turian, LCSW, (412) 749-2824
South: Easter Seals, Rita Costa, (412) 881-8233
Baldwin area: (412) 281-7244
Southwestern Human Services: (412) 831-1223
The Wesley Institute, Fyme Reinhart, (724) 443-8900
Sibling Needs: Helpful Information for Parents
Helpful information for parents from Derenda Timmons Schubert, Ph.D., regarding sibling needs. Information is broken down by age-appropriate stages.Sibling Support Project
The primary goal of this project is to increase the availability of peer support and education programs for brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs. Provides information or running sibling workshops, maintains a database of sibling programs, and sponsors a no-cost listserv for siblings.
Special Families
This is the website of Philadelphia psychologist, Robert Naseef, PhD. It lists frequently asked questions on parenting and family issues, parenting and disability links, as well as the opportunity to purchase Dr. Naseef's books.
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