Thursday, June 25, 2009

What is stress?

A physiologic response? An intellectual consideration?
An attempt to maintain the balance of neutral?
We are all aware of stress. We could not function without it.

Good stress? Bad stress?
How we responds is what can make a difference. Teens are at an increased risk through adolescence for over or under reacting to stress. Check out this link for information on how to deal with the inevitable...STRESS.
http://www.litebooks.net/

Family Resources

Florida Listings for families. Link here http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fsdb/state.php?sid=12

Are there other areas you would like to see listed? Let me know rsmith0389@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Social networks

More discussion with siblings of ASD at the website http://autismspeaksnetwork.ning.com/group/autismsiblings. Check it out!
The latest sibling board: http://sibsofasd.ning.com


Visit Investigating siblings of persons with ASD

Some more sibling views

The siblings are reaching out to help others. Check out this video by CBS and let's discuss some of the questions the interviewer asks:

Are you frustrated? Do you know a support group locally where you can attend? Do you have any future caregiving concerns? Are you interested in an occupation in the health care or social services industry?

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Siblings Resources for Persons with Autism

Are you searching for a place to enroll your autistic brother or sister? Find some information for yourself? Whether your needs are educational, entertainment,or medical, this list will provide some resources that might save you time. Click on the location and you'll find the name of the resource and the contact information. If you have places you recommend, feel free to send me the information and I'll add it to the map. It's a great way to have things in one place and to refer places that have your approval.

Map Key:
Aqua - Miscellaneous needs (financial, computers, etc...)
Red - Entertainment (camps)
Yellow -Sibling workshop or educational groups
Blue - Learning (schools, tools)
Pink - Medical (counselors, evaluations)


View Sibling resources in a larger map

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Sibling's Views

Here's another link to an interview clip of sibling's who express their opinions regarding issues that they are faced with as a result of a brother or sister with autism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAwh4Jv00r4http



This video captures the love and concern from a sibling perspective.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

A slideshow of sibling's thoughts

Send your pictures or written words to help enhance this video.
Email to: rsmith0389@gmail.com

Friday, May 22, 2009

A budding researcher

I am really honored to represent siblings of persons with autism. I hope you find the time to let me know what goes on in your world. This forum will provide you with an opportunity to share all the crazy things and feelings you might have. Discuss your interests, parents, friends - anything - just keep it clean!

No information that is shared will be used for my research project. This is a jumping off point to see if there is a way for me to capture the siblings from around the world rather than from a local reference place. If I receive a good response, I could contact you (via www) and go from there with the particulars of the research project and the consent formalities.

The goal is to create a sound research question from the poeple who are involved - YOU! As a registered nurse for the past 26 years, I know from experience if we can't meet the person where they are, that there is no chance of overcoming whatever obstacle stands before them.

Families have an affect on you. This can work to one's advantage or disadvantage in life. Perhaps, we can avoid a few loopholes by sharing tips about what has worked and what has failed in our families. In this way I hope we can grow stronger, smarter, and kinder as siblings' of a person with autism spectrum disorder.

I look forward to your stories!

Sibling Workshops

I found this interesting article about sibling workshops. These are groups that meet regularly throughout the area. Siblings are able to learn from one another and establish new relationships. You can access the full article at ABC news.