About Autism Speaks Sibling Workshops

Autism Speaks offers a peer support, educational and recreational program for siblings ages 8 – 12 who have a brother or sister with autism. The monthly two-hour sessions provide a mix of hands-on educational and recreational activities, along with the opportunity to share common experiences, joys, concerns and how to handle situations typically encountered by siblings.

Workshops are offered in three-month sessions: fall, winter and spring. Each two-hour workshop takes place on the second Sunday of the month from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. South suburban workshops are offered at Fifth Third Bank, located at 10759 W. 159^th Street in Orland Park, IL. North suburban workshops are offered at the Center for Enriched Living, located at 280 Sanders Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015. The fee for each three-month session is $50, and fees can be pro-rated with advance notice.

>>Download Autism Speaks' Family Support Tool Kits, including the guide for siblings.

About the South Suburban Facilitator

Workshops are facilitated by Tara Conley, who is currently an Individual Service Coordinator (ISC) with Service of Will, Grundy, and Kankakee Counties. Tara has a MA in Psychology of Human Development and has worked with people with developmental disabilities for twenty-one years. Tara has been a member of the SibNet listserv since 1997 and has been a moderator for SibKids since 2002. In 2004 Tara started the listserv AdultSibsNet, modeled after SibNet but for adult siblings in Illinois. Tara co-founded Family Sibday for the families whose children attend Sibshops. Additionally, Tara serves on the Sibling Support Project’s Advisory Committee and is a member of the Sibling Leadership Network. She also serves on UIC’s Consumer Advisory/LEND committee and is an Arc of IL board member. In 2007 she worked with other sibs in Illinois to create the nonprofit SIBS (Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters). Having a brother with significant disabilities has motivated Tara to dedicate much of her time to the enhancement of services to people with disabilities in Illinois and their families. >>Learn more about Illinois S.I.B.S. here.

>>Register to join us for the south suburban workshop!

About the North Suburban Facilitator

Sheila Swann-Guerrero is the Sibshop Coordinator at Advocate Medical Group Pediatric Developmental Center (PDC) and Superintendent, Gateway Special Recreation. Ms. Swann-Guerrero received her Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Ms. Swann-Guerrero has worked with individuals with a disability and their families for over twenty years. She utilizes her background to provide support and services, including recreation, education and peer support for siblings and families of children who have a disability or chronic condition. She frequently presents to both families and professionals on the importance of addressing the needs of siblings to promote healthy life long relationships of all family members.

>>Register to join us for the north suburban workshop!