What do you look for in a support group?

May 27, 2009

Ok everyone, I would like to get your ideas on what it is you would look for

in a support group that would make you want to remain a part of it and make

it one that could really last and take off.

I'm speaking in reguards to a live, in person support group and not an

online group such as this list.

My 12 year old is a Cadette Girl Scout and for her silver award project she

wants to start a support group for siblings of children with disabilities.

We are not aware of anything in this area, but also don't know all the

places to check. My youngest daughter's teachers and therapists are not

aware of any support groups in the area for siblings. In fact my dd's

behavioral therapist wasn't sure of even where support groups for parents

are, and suggested I start one and offered use of their offices if I wanted

to. but I'm sure they exist, at least for parents, I've just found it much

easier to do it online because it's accessible all the time and I don't have

a schedule to know that I'd be able to attend.

I would want these kids to be able to be open and honest with each other and

ideally form lasting friendships among themselves. It's definately easier

for them to understand one another when they have an idea of what the other

goes through on a daily basis with their sibling(s) who have disabilities.

My daughter definately has found stronger friendships in her peers that have

a sibling with some type of dx. Even if they never speak of the kids with

disabilities, they just kinda 'get it', how sometimes plans change at the

last minute or they're not able to attend some events because it would just

be too much for the sibling etc.

This was my daughters idea, I'm only trying to help her get some ideas on

where to start and what kind of things to organize in order to make it

happen, and of course since we're in unchartered waters for ourselves having

never been to an in person support group. I thought this would be a good

place to ask some opinions from. I'm confident that she will be able to find

the resources to make it happen, it's just knowing what resources she needs

to look for

Please send me your thoughts and ideas, or questions if you have any. Even

if it's just to tell me something you DIDN'T like about a group you tried

out, hopefully we can try to avoid those things and make it something many

can enjoy and benefit from.

Thanks,

Theresa

Mom to Kourtney 18 NT

Tiffanie 12 (has moderate ADHD)

& 5 (ASD, ADHD, ODD & Epilepsy)

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