Program Assists Brothers And Sisters Of Kids With Autism (Medical News Today)
Home to one of the largest intensive intervention and diagnostic centers for autism, Nationwide Children's Hospital has long been recognized as a leader in autism intervention efforts. Now the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Nationwide Children's Hospital is also setting the standard for the care of brothers and sisters of children with autism.
It's estimated that as many as one out of 150 individuals in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder, a complex developmental disability that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. While much time and attention is focused on the child with autism, brothers and sisters of autistic children may have feelings that are difficult to express: sadness that an autistic sibling can't learn things that others take for granted, anger and frustration over recurring behavioral problems or pride when a sibling with autism learns a basic but important life skill.
As a result, in 2007 Nationwide Children's began offering a program called Sibshops™, designed to teach coping skills and provide support for siblings of children who are physically ill or have special needs. Unlike most Sibshops™ programs, Nationwide Children's has tailored its program specifically for brothers and sisters of autism patients.
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"The cordial quality of pear or plum
Rises as gladly in the single tree
As in the whole orchards resonant with bees."
- Emerson
01 Mar 2008, 11:14 am
