Episode Four: Siblings as Autism Caregivers - Interview with Alex

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, two siblings from different parts of the world discuss the psychosocial issues of caregiving for a sibling. Alex is the guest today. We will examine the need to have open discussions with family members regarding long-term care planning and the importance of the role siblings hold in the safe space they may provide their autistic adult sibling.Resources in Canada that were discussed in this episodeCentre de readaptation de l'Quest de Montreal (CROM)—Center for rehabilitation in West Island Montreal, Quebec—is an organization that provides services and activities, housing, and support for autistic adults over the age of 18.Address: 8000, rue Notre-Dame, Montreal (Lachine), QC H8R 1H2514-363-3025Resources in Massachusetts Discussed in this episodeDepartment of Developmental Disabilities 617-727-5608; Videophone (VP) (857) 366-4179https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-developmental-servicesSocial Security Insurance - 1-800-772-1213https://www.ssa.gov/ssiSocial Security Disability Insurance 1-800-772-1213https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.htmlAdvocates, Inc. 508- 628-6300Other Resources Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN):https://autisticadvocacy.org/Drexel Autism Institute (A.J. Drexel Autism Institute):https://drexel.edu/autisminstitute/Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Adult Application (Massachusetts):  https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-eligibility-formsDepartment of Developmental Services (DDS) Adult Autism Resource Guide (Massachusetts):This is the link to the resource guide we discussed in our episodehttps://static1.squarespace.com/static/518bb7cde4b0d1e7bd9c37b5/t/5c58694253450a702c533881/1549297988292/DDS+NE+Region_2019+Adult+Autism+Resource+Guide_Final_020419.pdfResources to Help with Services Navigation for Every StateThank you for tuning into Flourishing: Caregiving Autistic Adults Podcast series. Please take a moment to review the attached resources that may assist you in navigating your caregiving responsibilities beyond age 22. The Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE) is located in Massachusetts; however, they offer their support nationally, to every state. The organization understands the caregiving journey, and many are caregivers themselves.Here are Some AANE Programs That Pertain to The Service CliffBenefit Navigation and Guidance: AANE is aware of the supports and benefits by each state and can provide you with this information. They also offer a free webinar on finding public benefits for autistic adults and can tailor the information to your specific needs.Support Groups and Coaching: AANE offers support groups and individualized help for the specific issues you are facing.Contact Information: AANE: www.aane.org85 Main Street, Suite 3, Watertown, MA 02472Research Articles on Sibling Caregiving and Other ArticlesDyer, J. T., & Gushwa, M. (Eds.). (2024). DEIPAR Deeper: A curricular social justice framework and culturally responsive evaluative tool. In J. Dyer & K. Flores-Carter (Eds.), Infusing social justice into social science practice (pp. 53-65). Kendall Hunt Publishers. Kendall Hunt.Flourishing: Resource DirectoryServices, benefits & navigation tools for autistic individuals across the lifespan To ac