Founded in 2017, the group seeks to unite children in the Birmingham, Alabama metro area; the Raleigh, North Carolina area; and beyond with a meaningful support group where participants feel supported, understood and accepted.
Our Mission
It is our mission to provide a support group for children with special needs siblings.
“When I was younger, there were few support groups to join or therapists who were familiar with my struggles and experience as a sibling of someone with special needs. Now there are thankfully more support opportunities for siblings and families of people with special needs like Special Siblings Birmingham. I couldn’t be more excited to be involved in a program like this one, and I enjoy connecting with special siblings of all ages at our meetings each month!”
Alex Faust
Young Adult Participant
I’m currently a graduate student at UAB, and in August 2018, I will graduate with my Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling! I’m currently a counseling intern at Children’s of Alabama in Behavioral Health and work in the UAB Department of Psychiatry as a research assistant.
When I’m not interning or working, I’m getting my exercise on at my martial arts dojo where I’m a black belt candidate and the assistant instructor. My adorable cat named Edward grudgingly lets me call him cute names for treats and cuddles, and I have two loveable niece-pups who unfortunately for me live several hours away.
I have a younger sibling with special needs who is near and dear to my heart, and my sibling is one of the reasons I decided to dedicate my career to helping families of and people with special needs as an aspiring mental health clinician and researcher.
What We've addressed in meetings:
What positive qualities we have developed as special needs siblings.
How to appreciate your special needs siblings and why that is important
Understanding the hardships of having a special needs sibling on your parents and why we should be helpful and understanding
How to cope with the negative characteristics of having a special needs sibling
How to spot a bully and what to do
How to advocate for your special needs sibling and for yourself
How to manage your concerns about the future of your special sibling
How to accept yourself and the importance of self care
Every meeting features circle support - a time where siblings can share their personal struggles in a supportive and constructive group setting