Siblings of children with autism may show early signs of abnormal development

Among almost 300 younger brothers and sisters of children with autism, 17% received an autism diagnosis and 28% showed developmental delays or behavioral problems, U.S. researchers found. Problems in social, communication, movement and thinking development were noticeable as early as age 1 among younger siblings of children with autism, according to the study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. HealthDay News (3/7)   http://consumer.healthday.com/cognitive-health-information-26/autism-news-51/autism-siblings-685556.html

5 Tips for Introducing a Sibling to a Child with Special Needs

By Sara Peronto on Mar 05, 2014 from Friendship Circle Blog
Welcoming a new sibling to the family is exciting. A new brother or sister gives your older child the opportunity to be a role model and, most importantly, build the type of familial bond and lasting friendship that only exists between siblings. But, with the excitement also comes a change in your family dynamic. http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2014/03/05/5-tips-for-introducing-a-new-sibling-to-a-child-with-special-needs/?utm_source=Friendship+Circle+Blog&utm_campaign=323f22fa90-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ec270b4ae-323f22fa90-199142745

Groundbreaking New Study from Easter Seals Looks at Sibling Caregivers

By Guest Bloggers Dr. Patricia Wright, Ph.D., MPH and National Director of Autism Services at Easter Seals, and Rachel Talen, Public Relations Coordinator, Easter Seals

We often think of spouses, parents or adult children as caregivers, but not siblings. However, if you have a brother or sister with a disability (and there are millions who do), this important role is likely in your future. Through its new Siblings Study, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs (an independent research firm), Easter Seals wanted to learn more about siblings who act as caregivers to their brothers or sisters who have disabilities, and how their lives compare to those who do not have a sibling with a disability....  http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2013/02/06/groundbreaking-new-study-from-easter-seals-looks-at-sibling-caregivers/