Supporting Siblings and Caregivers of Youth with Behavioral Challenges
Supporting Siblings
Intended for parents/caregivers and siblings of youth with Autism, Developmental Disabilities, and/or Mental Health Issues
What’s it like?
Over Zoom, siblings meet other children and teens who know what it’s like to have a brother or sister with behavioral challenges. Siblings have a chance to talk, learn coping skills and feel better. The Zoom is facilitated by psychiatrists and trainees at UMass Chan Medical School.
What about parents & caregivers?
First-time participants join a Zoom session led by our trained parent mentor. They learn about the sibling experience, the importance of supporting siblings, and strategies to support siblings. Returning participants join a different Zoom session, led by the program social worker, to address ongoing family challenges that impact siblings.
Registration is required.
We meet the first Thursday night of each month at 5:30pm EST.
- Is there a cost?
- This is a free program.
- Who is eligible?
- All caregivers are eligible if the affected child has siblings of any age. Siblings are eligible if they are 6 - 18 years old and do not have significant behavioral issues of their own.
- Can caregivers attend even if siblings do not attend?
- Yes, and vice versa.
- How do I register?
- To ask questions or reserve your spot, call (857) 523-1145 or email emily.rubin@umassmed.edu. After signing an online consent form, you will receive an email with instructions to log into Zoom.
Our Autism Response Team (ART) is specially trained to connect people with autism, their families, and caretakers to information, tools, and resources.
