Local Support Groups
for Siblings of Special Needs Children
When a family has a child with special needs, the parents are
usually the rst line of support. However, siblings are just as
important to that child, as their best friend and the one the
child may gravitate toward rst.
Monmouth County-based Family Resource Associates (FRA) offer
sibling groups for children to safely explore their feelings through art,
storytelling and role-playing.
Siblings of children with special needs often have a lot of questions
and concerns, and FRA groups provide an opportunity for children
to safely explore these feelings with others in similar situations. Monthly
group sessions are fun and combine art, storytelling and role-playing
as tools for talking about differences and solving challenges. Groups
are, in part, possible by the generosity of Monmouth Park Charities and
The M. Bell Family. There is no charge for participation.
“It is rare to be able to nd sibling groups, so this is a really special
service that we offer to families in and around our area,” said Sue
Levine, program director and social worker for FRA. “Our mission is to
support the entire family, not only the individual with special needs.
Kids need to know they are not alone and should be able to express
their feelings without judgment.”
FRA offers two sibling support groups.
Toby’s Friends Sibling Support Group (ages 4 to 9) is for young
brothers and sisters of children with special needs and are invited to
come together for discussion, problem-solving, talking about differences
and having fun together. Meetings are typically held the last
Thursday of the month at FRA’s Red Bank ofce from 4 to 5 pm.
“Having two brothers with Down syndrome could be a lot for one
little girl,” said Tina O. “The sibling group at FRA for 4- to 9-year-olds
has been a game changer for my daughter. She is able to open up and
share the things that she loves about her brothers and the things that
may be difcult for her to understand. It has become a comfort zone
for her, and she looks forward to going each and every month.”
Toby’s Friends Sibling Support Group (ages 10 to 15) is for older
brothers and sisters of children with disabilities who may have growing concerns
about what the future holds for them and their sibling(s). Quarterly group meetings
allow siblings to connect with one another, explore feelings together and
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have fun. Most meetings take place at FRA’s Red Bank ofce from 5 to
7 pm. RSVP is required.
Jen R.’s son has been attending the sibling group for 10- to
15-year-olds. “My son always says that a lot of his friends don’t
understand our life,” she said. “They don’t understand all the extra
therapy and appointments that come with having a sibling with
special needs. He likes to connect with other kids that get it. While
they all have different experiences, there are so many things that are
the same. He reports that it helps him feel like he isn’t alone. I think
it is really great for him to have a safe space to express his feelings
without worrying about hurting our feelings. I also think it helps him
identify feelings or thoughts that he may not have put into words yet.”
Family Resource Associates (FRA) offers Sibling Support Groups
for siblings of children with special needs. FRA, located in Red Bank,
serves the community and people of all ages who have developmental
or acquired disabilities. To learn more about sibling support
groups and to RSVP, contact Sue Levine at 732-747-5310, Ext. 117 or
email slevine@frainc.org.
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