Programs target siblings of special-needs kids

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PROGRAMS TARGET SIBLINGS OF SPECIAL-NEEDS KIDS

December 10, 2006

By Elaine Lynch, 14

A pair of local programs bring young people together who have brothers or sisters with autism or other special needs to talk and socialize.

The Young Sibshops accommodate children ages 4 to 7. A separate group, Sibshops, is for those ages 8 to 13.

Each group plays games, makes crafts and talks about the good and bad things that come with having a sibling with special medical or developmental needs.

Young Sibshops will meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on three Saturdays in 2007 -- March 3, July 28 and Nov. 3 -- at Easter Seals Crossroads, 4740 Kingsway Drive. Cost is $10 per session for one sibling or $15 for two or more. Parents are encouraged to join the group for lunch and participate in activities.

Sibshops will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on four Saturdays next year -- Jan. 13, April 21, July 7 and Oct. 13 -- also at Easter Seals Crossroads. Cost is $7, which covers crafts and lunch.

The programs are sponsored by Riley Hospital for Children and Easter Seals Crossroads.

Registration, which is limited, is required. A form can be downloaded from www.rileyhospital.org/ kids1st.

For more information, call Christina Rogers, Strong Families Projects Coordinator at Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, at (317) 274-2964 or (888) 365-2022.

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