Understanding Siblings
Charlene Tait, Director of Development at Scottish Autism with speaker, Kate Strohm
Speaking to a packed room of parents and professionals, Kate’s seminar highlighted the role and needs of siblings, the particular challenges they face, as well as practical ways to support them. The seminar was concluded with a lively discussion amongst the delegates where Kate further shared her knowledge and her own personal experiences of being a sibling.
Charlene Tait, Director of Development at Scottish Autism said: “We are delighted that Kate delivered this special seminar on siblings, giving rise to the often forgotten challenges faced by siblings who have a brother or a sister with a disability.”
Speaking about her work, Kate said: “While many siblings feel love and care for a brother or a sister with a disability they can also feel quite isolated. Some siblings are teased or bullied by peers, and as they get older they might worry about the future for their brother or sister."
Kate also emphasised the effect autism can have on a sibling relationship: “Some children with autism have particularly difficult behaviour, including aggression, and so some siblings are physically and emotionally harmed.”
Siblings Australia is the only organisation in Australia focused on the needs of siblings of children living with disability/chronic illness. Kate started her career as a hospital scientist, before moving into health counselling, education and related journalism. During the last 15 years Siblings Australia has worked in three main ways: direct intervention with siblings; assisting parents to support all their children; and with providers to improve their capacity to support the whole family. Also, the organisation has carried out research and advocacy for sibling support at both government and community levels. Kate has been invited to present workshops and papers across Australia and also the US, Canada, UK and Italy.
Resources
Kate has written a number of publications where you can find further information about the needs of siblings. You can also visit her website, Siblings Australia.
- Strohm, K. (2002). Siblings: Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs (Wakefield Press, Adelaide)
- Strohm, K. (2005). Being the Other One (Shambhala Press, Boston)
- Strohm, K (2008). Too important to ignore: Siblings of children with special needs. Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health, vol 7.
- Strohm, K. (2014). Siblings: Brothers and Sisters of Children with Disability 2nd Edition. (Wakefield Press, Adelaide)
For education professionals, there is a section on the Autism Toolbox dedicated to supporting siblings at school.
Read a personal account of being a sibling from Hannah Farquhar on our blog.
