Siblings Together Programme 3rd November

The Siblings Together programme (monthly meet ups) has been designed specifically for siblings of children with additional needs. This group will be for children aged 8-11 years old and will take place in Shine Centre in Carrigaline.

While each week will focus on different things/areas, the purpose of the course is for siblings to connect with others, learn about autism, share experiences, learn about themselves and how to build on their coping skills and first and foremost have fun while doing it.

Some topics that we will cover:

Week 1: What does autism mean to you? We will be talking about similarities and differences that exists between people. We will find out their own and their siblings ‘superpowers’. Team building exercise and why it’s important to work as a team. We will focus on 5 senses why they matter (short games where they can experiment with their own senses) and what can happen when their senses are over or under stimulated. We will look at some relaxation techniques/activities that might help them when they feel sad/angry/lonely etc.

Week 2: It’s all about communication! How do we communicate and what happens when we can’t communicate effectively? We will explore how do they communicate? Is there ways they can communicate more effectively with their parents/siblings (What do they need? How they feel?) e.g. can they use their ‘super powers’ from week 1 to help them with communication? Problem solving exercises.

Week 3:  Focus is on emotions/feelings! How do their siblings express their feelings? (especially if they have no words) How do they express their feelings? Why expressing your emotion/feelings matters? Etc.

Week 4: Siblings rock! We will look at what they have achieved. It’s all about them, having fun! We will be doing activities that they want to do

Please note: the sessions are held monthly in the Shine Centre at the following dates and times

3^rd of November @ 10-1pm (give them extra time to get to know each other)

3^rd of December @10-12pm

7^th of January @10-12 pm

4^th of February @10-12pm