The Saturday Sibling Group

Who we are…

For over 10 years the Social Workers at DDI’s Children’s Day Program have been offering a monthly group for the siblings of our students and other programs serving developmentally disabled children. Over the years the kids have described the group as a ‘sort of club’ where sibs of developmentally disabled and autistic kids get together. The group offers a time for kids to vent about issues that uniquely affect them and have opportunities to learn tolerance and compassion as they relate to others who ‘get it.’ 

What we do…

We play games, do arts and crafts, theatre, cook, make Sibling Newsletters, and go outside or to the gym to balance our energies. The Saturday Sibling Group is a fun way for kids to learn about Autism and other developmental disabilities through our unique games and ‘game show’ like competitions; to talk about what it’s like to have a sibling with special needs; and to help each other with some of the challenges they all face.

Who attends…

Typically, our group served siblings 6 to 12 years old. Last year we tried something new--we divided our monthly meetings up and alternated a ‘kids’ group (6 to 11yrs) and a ‘teen’ group (for 12 to 15+years), but they all said they wanted more groups. The teens also said they still like to do some of the things the kids’ group did—especially the cooking! So this year we are back to the original monthly schedule and will try to ‘combine’ the groups. Teens might like to serve as helpers, or when the numbers are up, we can divide into two groups. Since our groups are organized around a central activity but are quite flexible, we should be able to offer something for everyone.

New members are welcome at anytime. Our attendance is affected by the usual kid activities: sports schedules, dance recitals, karate and bowling competitions and, of course, other family obligations. We encourage sibs to come when they can, and usually get a nice size group. Each group is different so there is no pressure to attend a ‘series’ of groups.

If you are interested or require additional information…

Just call Ted Davis at 631 366-2989 or Candy Hamilton at 631 266-4420.

Meeting logistics:

We meet monthly at the Smithtown Campus of DDI (99 Hollywood Drive Smithtown 11787) from 10 a.m. to noon. We usually meet in the kitchen.

Meeting dates…

September, 20 2008               October, 18 2008

November, 15 2008                 December, 13 2008

January, 24 2009                     February: no group

March, 7 2009                           April, 18 2009

May, 16 2009                             June, 13 2009