Formation of Siblings Support Groups

Siblings are family members who are often neglected by professionals working with families of children and youth with disabilities, even though they may also experience stress due to the presence of their brother or sister with a disability. Siblings support groups aim to answer questions and concerns of siblings of children and youth with disabilities, support them in including their siblings in their daily activities, and help them raise awareness in their communities about the issue of disabilities and face comments from their peers in various settings. Most importantly, support groups help them to know that they are not alone in this situation and to share experiences with each other. Professionals and other associations are also trained in implementing SETI’s Siblings Support Groups program.