Supporting Siblings, continued...

In addition, siblings see their family adapt to frequent changes, navigate complex systems, and find joy in simple ways. This builds future resilience, flexibility, and real-world problem-solving skills. Furthermore, many siblings go on to enter helping professions. This includes special education, medicine, and social work. It is directly inspired by their childhood experiences.

The goal for families isn’t to eliminate the challenges. Some of them are just a part of life. However, it is important to recognize the siblings’ unique experiences and provide consistent emotional support. This will foster positive relationships and increase their well-being.

Some general tips include:

• Communication: Talk to them about how the family is impacted. Assure them that it is normal to have a wide range of emotions.
• Information: Offer age-appropriate information about their sibling’s disability and related concerns.
• Individual Attention: Carve out individual time to focus on each child in the family. It doesn’t have to be a lot; it just has to be about them.
• Connect to Peers: Help them connect with similar peers through in-person or online support groups or workshops for siblings of children with disabilities.
• Celebrate Them: Recognize and celebrate the sibling’s achievements, talents, and contributions.
• Seek Help if Needed: If necessary, seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or support group specializing in sibling issues.

Resources for Sibling Awareness and Support:

The Sibling Support Project: The Sibling Support Project is the first organization to provide families and professionals with evidenced-based information about the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of siblings who have brothers and sisters with special health care needs. In addition, they developed Sibshops, which are fun gatherings especially for sibs to connect with other sibs who understand the sibling experience. You can learn more about the Sibling Support Project here.

MI SIBS is the Michigan affiliate of the Sibling Leadership Network. MI SIBS offers connections, resources and peer support to adult siblings of brothers and sisters in Michigan who have a greater role in caregiving and advocating for their siblings. MI SIBS hosts events and webinars and can be found on the Arc of Western Wayne County website: MI SIBS | The Arc of Western Wayne County.

Family Leadership Network, continued...

Sixteen current FLN members met in April in West Bloomfield, MI for their annual meeting. This meeting was an opportunity for members to network with each other, receive leadership training, and set goals for the group for the upcoming year.

The FLN is made up of individuals in Michigan who have personal experience as a parent or guardian of a child (birth to 26) with special health care needs, or young adults (18 to 26) with a disability or diagnosis. If you are interested in joining the FLN, we are currently recruiting for open positions in Northeast Michigan and East Central Michigan. To see open positions and obtain an application, visit: Family Leadership Network

Twelve of the sixteen FLN members who attended the annual meeting.

L to R: Ryan S., Marisa V., Samantha O., Amy N., Essie B., Jennifer D.,
Ann L., Dana T., Jennifer F.S., Leslie W., Alicia C., Sakinah W. 

Guide for Back to School, continued...

In order to prepare for a successful school year, you'll want to start by sharing written documentation from your child's doctor, informing the school of your child's condition. Below are detailed steps you can take for your child.

• Obtain a Medical Management Plan (MMP) from your child’s doctor. It may include:
• Daily and emergency medications, and self-carry options.
• Daily care and emergency action steps.
• Allergies, dietary, or activity modifications/restrictions.
• Symptoms staff should watch for.
• Access to technology for condition monitoring.
• Emergency contacts.
• Work with a school nurse to build an Individualized Health Plan (IHP) which expands upon the MMP to include school specific considerations, such as medicine storage, nurse interventions, goals for your child, expected outcomes, etc.
• Sign required forms allowing school personnel to administer medication and perform procedures listed in your child’s IHP.
• Review the school’s plan to Inform and train staff who interact with your child to recognize an emergency and perform emergency action steps.
• Discuss the benefits of a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if your child’s condition interferes with a major life activity (speaking, learning, concentrating, hearing, breathing, etc.).
• Teach your child about their condition and foster self-advocacy.
• Advocate for the full inclusion and participation of your child with accommodations.

Additional Resources to Explore:

Michigan School Health Standards of Care

Michigan Department of Education Chronic Condition Tool-Kits

School-Guide-CongenitalHeartDefects.pdf

Diabetes Youth Services 

Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan 

Epilepsy Foundation Back to School Conference 2026 

Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America Michigan Chapter

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Michigan Association