Who are these workshops for?

These workshops can be hosted for children as young as four years old or as old as high school students! We have found it best to group brothers and sisters based on their ages. If you find that you have large age groups, we recommend that you use volunteer facilitators (we recommend older, college-aged brothers and sisters) to be able to split the participants into smaller groups. This way, participants are able to talk about situations and feelings that are more specific to their age experience. Some common age groupings would be ages 4-6; 7-9; 10-12; 13-14; 15-18. Alternatively, you could consider ages 4-9; 10-14; and 15+, or simply 10 and up.

We find it best when parents are not facilitating the discussions or leading the sessions. Brothers and sisters are more likely to talk about topics that are really bothering them if parents are not present. It gives them a freedom to be completely honest in their experiences and feelings!

What are brother-sister Workshops?

These workshops are opportunities for siblings who have brothers and sisters with Down syndrome to come together to discuss their common hopes, concerns, and questions. This is NOT a workshop for the siblings who actually have Down syndrome.

This is not a therapy session, and it does not require a therapist to run. It provides fun opportunities for brothers and sisters to learn about their sibling with Down syndrome and their shared experiences as brothers and sisters of someone with Down syndrome!

When & Where should I host a workshop?

Find a time well in advance so that you can properly advertise in hopes of having as many brothers and sisters attend as possible!

Ways to Advertise :

  • Reach out to your local Down syndrome groups and have them send out an e-mail or post to their website!

  • Reach out to your local playgroups and other social resources your participants’ families will likely be involved in!

  • Reach out to your area hospitals (particularly the Genetics or Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics divisions), as they might help advertise—or even sponsor—the workshop.

  • Tell your local newspaper.

  • Tell your local schools.

  • Also, tell your local universities because you may find some great volunteers from various majors all across campus.

  • Consider posting on Facebook or Twitter, especially if your local Down syndrome group communicates through social media!

We have found that venues with the following aspects work best:

  • At least two rooms, separate and distinct, for each of the age groups

  • Each room should be large enough to seat everyone at circular tables, while also providing enough “floor space” for everyone to sit in a big circle for certain activities

  • Air-conditioned, if held during summer months

  • Bathrooms nearby

  • For workshops running over 1 ½ hours, a snack and a break are recommended. Full-day workshops should include a lunch for the participants, and water and/or other drinks should be available throughout the day