Programs
Sibling Scholarships
Many people who are not impacted by autism fail to realize how expensive it is for a family to raise a child who is on the autism spectrum. Often as a family’s limited income must be used to obtain the needed services and support for the family member with autism, the other children in the household are directly affected. The impacts may include lack of funds for summer camps, college tuition, or vocational training. Siblings of Autism distributes scholarships for education and other defined needs for those that have a sibling on the spectrum.
Sibling Outreach
In partnership with the Autism Society of America, Siblings of Autism is establishing a national sibling board that will advocate at the federal level on policies that impact those on the autism spectrum including siblings. Siblings of Autism has a long-term goal of helping to develop programs to connect and support siblings of individuals on the spectrum via shared experiences, peer group support, and funding for professional counseling.
Sibling Respite
Respite serves as a deep breath for family members impacted by autism. By providing regularly scheduled relief for the family, family members’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being can be maintained so they can always be there for their family members with autism. Many families across the nation are currently not receiving these services. A long-term goal of Siblings of Autism is to help provide respite funding for families who cannot afford it on their own.
Contact Us
address:
40 West St., Annapolis, MD 21401
email:
website:
Media
Resources
Sibling Support Project
The Sibling Support Project is where SibShops was first created. You will find SibShops, SibShop trainings, as well as publications about siblings of individuals with disabilities. www.siblingsupport.org
Sibling Support Project Store
Visit this site to see an inclusive list of sibling related books for ALL ages. Purchases from this site will donate a percentage of the purchase to the Sibling Support Project.
Sibling Leadership Network
The Sibling Leadership Network has information about state chapters, sibling conferences, as well as policy & advocacy tools to help adult siblings become informed advocates. www.siblingleadership.org
Sibs UK
Sibs UK offers resources for parents, professionals, sibling groups leaders, as well as siblings themselves. www.sibs.org.uk
Young Sibs
Young Sibs offers siblings resources, activities and chat rooms to better support them through their journey with their brother or sister with a disability. www.youngsibs.org.uk
Sibs Journey
At Sibs’ Journey, they seek to broaden the narrative of the sib experience while also supporting siblings as they navigate these often complex relationships. www.sibsjourney.com
Sib20
Sib20 is a closed Facebook group for young adult siblings, 18 to early thirties.
SibTeen
SibTeen is a Facebook group where teenage sibs of people with disabilities can connect with others who get it.
SibNet
SibNet is a closed Facebook group for adults siblings of individuals with disabilities.
Siblings Australia, Inc.
Siblings Australia is committed to improving the support available for siblings of children and adults with chronic conditions.
Autism Society of America
The Autism Society of America, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. www.autism-society.org
Anything Else?
Do you know of other resources that might interest siblings or their families? Make sure to let us know by getting in touch with us via our Contact form.
Throughout this journey with Matthew, I have learned to recognize the gifts of autism. In partnership with the Autism Society of America, I am working to unite siblings of individuals on the spectrum.
– Jason Cherry
History
Jason Cherry, founder of Siblings of Autism, recognizes the powerful impact of growing up with a sibling on the autism spectrum. Jason’s brother, Matthew, was adopted from a Russian orphanage in 1993 just before Jason’s birth. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and fetal alcohol syndrome, Matthew had a substantial impact on Jason’s and his sister’s childhood. The extensive involvement and funding required by the family for services and support for Matthew over two decades directly influenced Jason and contributed to his compassion for kids on the autism spectrum and their siblings. As a direct result of the powerful and challenging experiences in his home, Jason has developed into a true leader and is working to become a voice for all siblings of individuals with autism.
Mission
Siblings of Autism is dedicated to supporting the siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum through educational scholarships, respite funds, and outreach programs.
Sibilings of Autism is a 501(c)(3) registered charity. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Founder
Jason Cherry
