2950 Buskirk Avenue, Suite 300, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
www.spectrumstrategies.org
2950 Buskirk Avenue, Suite 300, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
www.spectrumstrategies.org
Spectrum Strategies is a grass roots 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
striving to provide community support to families of children with
Autism.
Project 1 – Spectrum Siblings Support Group
Our preliminary survey of young adults who grew up in a household with a sibling with Autism
revealed that the emotional needs of the neuro-typical sibling has often gone unrecognized.
Siblings reported feeling that their Autistic brother or sister received “all the attention;” they
perceived a constant demand to marginalize their own wishes and to behave in a way so as not to
be the source of additional burden; they felt socially isolated. Over time, these pressures led to
depression, anxiety, loneliness and desperation sometimes resulting in destructive behaviors (e.g.
drug use, truancy) in adolescence. When asked if a support group of other autism siblings may
have been helpful, the overwhelming response was “Yes.”
Goal:
In cooperation with a trained and experienced psychologist, we offer a 6-week program for
siblings, aged 9-12 years old, of children with Autism to meet in a small support group of 4-8
participants for 1.5 hours each session. The session will consist of structured play activities and
discussion specifically designed for the participants. (In the future, we strive to host a second
support group consisting of siblings aged 13-16.)
When: 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings of the month from 6:45-8:15
Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road, Concord
Cost: $120 for the full 6 sessions ($20 per session) to be paid as a tax-deductible donation at
the time of the first session (or in advance) to Spectrum Strategies.
Start/End Date: TBD either 2/26-5/14/2015 or 3/12-5/28/2015
*After the conclusion of the 6-week program, Spectrum Strategies will host a swim party around
the first weekend of June 2015 for the participating siblings.
Please contact Lucia Kanter St. Amour, Founder and Executive Director of Spectrum Strategies
at lucia@spectrumstrategies.org with the following information:
*Participant’s name, age, and name and age of sibling with Autism; number of other children in
the household.
*Name and contact information (telephone, email, home address) of parents or guardian of the
participant.
*Any additional information you would like to share.