Region:

Eastern

Contact Details:

Dawn Wilcock , Executive Officer Irabina Autism Services

Postal Address:

193 Bayswater Road
Bayswater VIC 3153

Street Address:

193 Bayswater Road
Bayswater VIC 3153

Phone:

(03) 9720 1118

Fax:

(03) 9720 6641

Email:

autism@irabina.com

Localities:

All Eastern Metro LGAs - Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Monash, Whitehorse, Yarra Ranges

Description:

A program created by an occupational therapist and psychologist working at Irabina, for siblings with a brother or sister with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The aims of the program are to create a place where siblings can receive and share information about their sibling's disability, to explore how they are similar and different to their peers and siblings and to provide opportunities for parents and the sibling to share their individual responses. There is also a focus on discovering and celebrating special traits and talents that the siblings have. The group runs as a holiday program where children attend Irabina for 5 consecutive half days, and participate in educational activities. They are given homework tasks to do, sometimes along with their parent. For example, one task requires the child to interview their parents and other special people in their lives, in order to find out what they think is special about the sibling. An additional homework task requires the sibling to have a go at an activity that is typical for their sibling with Autism. Activities chosen are carefully considered so as to be based on the child's developmental stage and to involve the parent and sibling in communicating together in a safe and familiar way about their individual responses. These activities acknowledge the sibling as an active participant in their family life and support their developing relationships in the family context. After the holiday program siblings can continue to meet at a recreational activity held once-twice per term.

Target Group:

Must have a brother or sister diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Disabilities:

Autism Spectrum disorders

Service Fees:

Available on request.