Shine CDC

Sibling Support Program

Sibling Support Program in Dubai

Helping Siblings Grow With Resilience, Empathy, and Balance

When one child in the family has a neurodevelopmental condition or special healthcare needs, siblings often navigate a complex emotional journey. Alongside love and pride, they may also feel jealousy, confusion, or anxiety. Without support, these emotions can impact their self-esteem, family relationships, and mental health.

At SHINE CDC, our Sibling Support Program provides a safe, structured space for children to understand, express, and thrive within their unique family dynamic.

Why Sibling Support Matters
  • Research shows siblings of children with developmental disorders have higher rates of anxiety, withdrawal, and depression compared to population norms (Meyer & Vadasy, 2008; McKenzie Smith et al., 2016).

  • Structured sibling interventions are linked with greater empathy, positive coping skills, and stronger family bonds (Hastings, 2014).

Sibling Support Program Dubai

Program Goals

The SHINE Sibling Support Program helps siblings:

  1. Understand their brother’s or sister’s diagnosis in an age-appropriate, non-threatening way

  2. Safely express feelings in a supportive environment

  3. Develop coping skills for difficult moments

  4. Enhance empathy while maintaining their own identity and needs

  5. Strengthen sibling bonds and improve family relationships

Program Structure

  • Tailored to different age groups, covering conditions like autism, ADHD, or developmental delays

  • Dispels myths and reduces stigma

  • Helps siblings reframe behaviors as differences, not misbehavior

  • Activities to identify, label, and manage emotions (anger, sadness, pride, frustration)

  • Introduction to mindfulness, relaxation, and problem-solving strategies

  • Small group sessions (5–6 children) led by child psychologists or counselors

  • A safe place to connect with peers in similar situations and share experiences

  • Guidance for parents on balancing attention across children

  • Strategies for inclusive family activities

  • Helping siblings feel valued for their own achievements

  • Art, music, role-play, and storytelling to help siblings process emotions

  • Celebrations of sibling relationships that build positive memories

SHINE CDC DUBAI UAE - Sibling Support Program

Expected Outcomes

Children in the program typically show:

  • Greater resilience and emotional regulation

  • Improved communication between parents and siblings

  • Stronger peer relationships and less social withdrawal

  • Increased empathy and acceptance of differences

Why Parents Trust SHINE CDC in Dubai

Proven, Evidence-Based Approach

Our programs use trusted child development methods, delivering progress that parents notice both at school and at home.

Personalized Small-Group Learning

Children benefit from tailored attention and engaging peer practice, gaining skills, confidence, and real social growth.

Clear, Measurable Results

Each age group has defined goals, with visible progress tracking and open updates so parents always understand their child’s journey.

Accessible & Flexible for Families

Based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, with family-friendly schedules designed to make consistent learning easy and stress-free.

Next Steps

Start Your Child’s Growth Journey

Where confidence grows, resilience strengthens and friendships begin.

Still Have Questions?

Brothers and sisters of children with neurodevelopmental conditions or special needs.

Through psychoeducation, coping skills, peer groups, family workshops, and creative activities.

Sessions are led by child psychologists, counselors, and therapists experienced in family dynamics.

Siblings typically show improved emotional regulation, communication, and empathy.