Umass Chan Medical School is offering a new, free program focused on building sibling resiliency, decreasing trauma and strengthening families of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities and/or Mental Health Issues.
Interested in learning more or signing up? Contact: Emily.rubin@umassmed.edu or 857-523-1145 (cell).
Who is eligible to participate?
Parents & caregivers, regardless of the age of the children. This includes all adults in a caregiving role, such as grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Siblings between the ages of 6–18 that are able to engage appropriately and independently in a group setting.
The child with challenging behaviors is not eligible to participate; this program is designed to support the family members of that child.
Parents/caregivers can participate if siblings do not, and vice versa.
What is the program about?
For Siblings it is an opportunity to meet peers that understand what it’s like to have a brother/sister with behavioral issues, express their feelings and process their experiences in a safe setting, and learn coping strategies. Parents & caregivers join an information session on how to decrease trauma and increase resiliency among siblings. We discuss the experience of siblings, strategies for parents to best support siblings, information on why it is important to support siblings, and resources for the family. Once caregivers have attended the first session, they are invited to join a follow-up discussion group offered on subsequent Thursdays.
How do I sign up?
Contact Emily.rubin@umassmed.edu or 857-523-1145 (cell). Once we receive the completed consents, we will confirm participation the week of the program, then email the log-in link, resources, and a link to a survey to be completed after the group is over.