2. Siblings of children with special needs
• Siblings of children with special needs might be
• scared of sibling and anxious about own health “Will I be
contaminated?”.
• Angry, aggressive and jealous.
• Embarrased and feel guilty. He can’t interact with his friends and
invite them.
• Sad, depressed, frustrated. He was waiting for a sibling, but she
has special needs.
• Lonely. Parents are busy taking care of his sister.
• Stressed. Family life has totally changed.
Information retrieved from
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/disabilities_helping_siblings.html
3. Talk about feelings
• Ashley’s family, especially 12
years old brother is struggling
with Ashley’s special needs.
• Share and talk about feelings. Let
him know that it is Ok to feel the
way he does.
• Talk about Ashley’s diagnosis,
cause and effects. What are
expectations. What might happen
in future.
• Talk about how to respond to
www.microsoftword other people’s reactions.
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• Share information with teachers
at school.
4. Set fair family rules and responsibilities
• Older brother might feel that he is neglected by parents.
Therefore, do not ignore him.
• Explain him what, how and why family members are doing and will
do. Involve him in taking care and interactions with Ashley.
• Set fair and appropriate rules and responsibilities in the family.
Since some individuals with Angelman Syndrome can carry out
some household chores, let Ashley tidy up her toys. Her brother
may remind her to clean up and supervise while she is tidying up.
• Set same behavioural expectations for everyone. For example,
aggressive or hurtful behaviour is not accepted from any child in
family.
• Brother can be responsible for taking care of communication
devices – change pictures, record words or semtences.
5. Get help from other resources
• Give him own space at home where he can stay alone when he
wants.
• If it seems that he is still struggling to cope then:
• Get help from professionals how to interact with Ashley. For
example, speech and language pathologist can explain how to
communicate with Ashley, how to use communication devices.
• Other family members might help with advice, listen and support.
• Families with children with Angelman Syndrome can help to
understand special needs, teach coping strategies and accept
situation as normal.
Information retrieved from
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/disabilities_helping_siblings.html
6. Get help from other resources
• Give him own space at home where he can stay alone when he
wants.
• If it seems that he is still struggling to cope then:
• Get help from professionals how to interact with Ashley. For
example, speech and language pathologist can explain how to
communicate with Ashley, how to use communication devices.
• Other family members might help with advice, listen and support.
• Families with children with Angelman Syndrome can help to
understand special needs, teach coping strategies and accept
situation as normal.
Information retrieved from
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/disabilities_helping_siblings.html
