short programme for brothers or sisters of a child with autism or other children

[jol]

This is a short programme for brothers or sisters of a child with autism or any other child who lives or spends a significant amount of time with a child with autism. It is aimed at children of 8-16 years of age and will consist of 4 weekly 2 ∏ hour sessions on a Saturday morning. It will run from Feb 27th until the 20th March 10-12.30 at Ormsgill Children's Centre.  It is a tailor made course which combines learning about autism with having fun and it will be led by the Service Development Officer for Autism, Marion Jones.  There are only 12 places so if you think the siblings of your child/young person with autism might be interested in attending this course please contact me as soon as possible by e-mail or phone 01229 834533

The aims are; 1. To provide group members with opportunities to meet together in a safe, relaxing and fun environment. 2. To give the child the opportunity to learn more about their brother/sister and autism from each other and the staff.  3. To give the child an opportunity to share with the group their stories, experiences and feelings. 4. To explore practical ways of relating and communicating with their brothers and sisters.

There will be: 

Fun, games and activities to encourage the right atmosphere for sharing feelings and emotions. All the games will have a point, giving an insight into an aspect of autism.

Exercises, similar to some of the games used but may also be of a more serious nature and involve pen and paper exercises. They will be used to gain insight into autism, our own behaviour and functioning, or to develop needed skills.

Discussion that will result from the games and exercises.  The group will be encouraged to reflect upon what they have experienced or felt and how that can help them understand their brother/sister or develop alternative approaches and ways of being with them. The most useful and in depth discussions always seem to come near the end of the meeting and ample time will be left for this to take place. 

Videos/DVDs, just short and to the point. and snack time, an important part of any group meeting that gives the children time to talk to each other and relax or simply to be alone if needed.

It is anticipated that in some meetings there will be at least one child who needs extra support, this may be due to a number of factors including: 1. Having problems at school,2. Having problems at home, 3. Feeling left out of the group, 4. Needing a little more individual attention than the rest of the group, 5. Finding an activity difficult

A member of staff will be identified who can respond to these children, and have no other responsibilities within the group so they can support the child.

Please contact me if you need any further information.

Regards

Jackie