Support

Program for siblings of a
child with special needs

When a child is ill or has other special needs, the whole family is affected. Parents struggle with their own emotions, as well as the added effort of caring for that child. But what about the other children in the family? What are their roles and feelings? How does the illness or disability affect them?

We're Special Too!, a program for siblings, was created in 1995 by the Friends of the Children's Hospital at Yale-New Haven to meet the needs of the brothers and sisters of children with chronic or terminal illness or special health care needs.

Sibshops for Siblings
The program offers siblings ages five to 15-years-old monthly Sibshops based on the model created by Donald J. Meyer, director of the Sibling Support Project at the University of Washington. These workshops combine informal discussion with interactive educational activities in a fun-filled environment that is just for siblings. The workshops are led by a team of specially trained volunteer facilitators and health care providers.

We're Special Too! also has sponsored educational and informational programs for parents and professionals. These seminars give parents the opportunity to learn and share information and experiences. They explore issues faced by families when there are other children in a family who are dealing with exceptional challenges.

For more information, call (203) 688-6880.

Last revised: June 7, 2007 (dh)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.