Siblings

NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS (NDSC) ADULT SIBLING TOOLKIT
Just for adult siblings, this toolkit is designed to jump start conversations with parents about becoming more involved in their brother or sister’s life.

NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS (NDSC) BROTHERS AND SISTERS CONFERENCE
Held at the annual NDSC Convention, the Brothers & Sisters conference is a fun-filled weekend where siblings can share ideas and experiences and make new friends. It is a place to learn, to be inspired and grow, to be enlightened and encouraged, and to ask tough questions in a supportive environment.

SIBSHOPS
Sibshops provide young brothers and sister peer support and information in a lively, recreational setting. Find a local Sibshop.

BOOK: FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT: A CRASH COURSE ON DOWN SYNDROME FOR BROTHERS AND SISTERS
Ages 11-19. Written by Brian Skotko & Susan P. Levine. Thoughtful, knowledgeable answers are provided by Brian Skotko, the brother of a young woman with Down syndrome, and Sue Levine, a social worker focused on sibling issues for the past 30 years. Fasten Your Seatbelt gives teens the green light to explore their own feelings and questions about their sibling with Down syndrome and how their relationship may change in the future. YouTube Q&A Videos with the Authors.

BOOK: THE SIBLING SURVIVAL GUIDE: INDISPENSABLE INFORMATION FOR BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
Ages late teens-adults. Edited by experts in the field of disabilities and sibling relationships (Don Meyer & Emily Holl), The Sibling Survival Guide focuses on the topmost concerns identified in a survey of hundreds of siblings. The chapter authors—experienced siblings and service providers—offer practical information and anecdotes about: statistics & research about siblings, younger siblings’ feelings, impact on your life decisions, caring for multiple generations, aging and disability, taking care of yourself, getting services & advocacy, and future planning.

BOOK: VIEW FROM OUR SHOES: GROWING UP WITH A BROTHER OR SISTER WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Grades 3-7. Edited by Donald J. Meyer. Collection of essays that share experiences as the brother or sister of someone with a disability. These personal tales introduce siblings to others like them, perhaps for the first time, and allow them to compare experiences.

BOOK: WE’LL PAINT THE OCTOPUS RED
Ages 3-7. Written by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen and Illustrated by Pam DeVito. In this touching story, Emma helps her father as much as he helps her to realize that Isaac is the baby they dreamed of. The book concludes with a set of commonly asked questions about Down syndrome with answers for children and how it might affect their sibling and family. The wonderful color illustrations help make We’ll Paint the Octopus Red a beautiful, reassuring book for siblings of children with Down syndrome that’s sure to become a family favorite.

In support of our organization's mission to "provide accurate and current information, resources, and support for people with Down syndrome, their families, and the community”, the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas “Resources” page and subsequent pages are provided for informational purposes only. Inclusion on this and subsequent resource pages should not be considered an endorsement by the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas (DSG). The resources, programs, and events listed on these pages may not necessarily express the views of the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas and inclusion is intended to inform not influence readers. The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas believes by providing this information each family will be able to make decisions based upon their personal beliefs and unique circumstances. The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas frequently reviews and updates the content included on this and subsequent resources pages. If you wish to suggest a resource for inclusion on the DSG website or report inaccuracies or broken links, please contact us.