Jasmine is 5, she is the youngest of 3 children and has a very rare syndrome which is commonly associated with global developmental delay. At her annual review the focus of the session wasn’t just about Jasmine or her parents but really focused on how her older sisters were also feeling.

This article discusses how having a child with a rare syndrome in the family can impact on the family as a whole.

Background

Jasmine has recently begun the same mainstream primary school as her two older siblings.  It has been a big transition for the whole family including her sisters Jessica and Ruby.

Jasmine

Jasmine has made lots of progress since starting school, both in terms of her learning and her language skills. Everyone has accepted and likes Jasmine for the way she is and she has lots of friends. Her best friends described her as “funny”. Jasmine loves going to school and has settled in quickly!

Jessica (age 7)

Jessica’s parents report that Jessica is quietly confident. She likes having Jasmine at school but there has been an issue in the playground that has caused Jessica to become upset.

Jasmine likes playing with her older sister and the children in Jessica’s class have been speaking back to Jasmine in the same way that she speaks and have made some comments to Jessica about her sister not being able to learn.

At home Jasmine requires a lot of 1:1 support and although Jessica is very understanding she gets cross when Jasmine goes into her room and messes up her toys.

Ruby (age 11)

Ruby is the oldest sibling at the school; all her class hasve been very understanding about Jasmines needs. Despite Ruby being outwardly confident, she is very worried that Jasmines behavior in school reflects badly on her.

Ruby is most anxious around assembly time as Jasmine often calls out or runs around during assembly.  This is causing Ruby to feel very upset and anxious about going to school.

Considering the wider impact

This demonstrates the importance of considering the whole family and not just athe child with additional needs. At present jasmine is extremely happy and has coped with the transition into school well. It is her siblings who need wider support to adjust to Ruby being in the same school.

How Integrated Treatment Services (I.T.S) can help

At ITS we always consider the family as a whole and have a number of experienced staff who not only help the child with difficulties but the child’s family as well.

We have educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, play and arts therapists who can support a worried sibling or parent cope with key changes in their lives.

If you have any more questions about ITS maybe able to support your family contact a therapist at ITS today. We are happy to speak with you over the telephone on: 0845 838 2921 or by email info@integratedtreatments.co.uk.

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