Feeling Heard: A Support Group for Siblings of Children with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Siblings are often overlooked in the provision of services to families of children with disabilities. These children also need education and support to ensure their own optimal development. Moreover, as funding and support services decrease, engaging siblings is paramount to the health and safety of children with developmental disabilities. Focusing on the observed therapeutic impact of the group process, this article describes and assesses a model for facilitating a support group for siblings of children with developmental delays. It advocates for significantly increased attention within the social work community to the needs of the sibling population.

Keywords:

• social group work
• peer support groups
• siblings
• developmental disabilities
• autism
• therapeutic factors