ABOUT THIS WEBINAR
Sponsored by Rutgers Health School of Public Health and Community Living Education Project (CLEP), this webinar, “Growing Together: Supporting Sibling Bonds Across the Lifespan,” delves into the unique joys and challenges faced by siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or intensive needs throughout their lives.
Dr. Bianca Coleman and Dr. Jennifer Cruz from Behavior Therapy Associates present key research findings on sibling outcomes such as elevated risks for mental health concerns like anxiety and resentment, balanced by positives including greater empathy and family closeness and offer actionable strategies. Families will learn proactive approaches, including age-appropriate explanations of diagnoses, post-behavior debriefs, scheduled one-on-one time, and discussions on future roles like advocacy and guardianship, to nurture resilient, supportive sibling relationships from childhood to adulthood.
Bianca Coleman, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D, is a licensed psychologist in the state of New Jersey, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral level. READ FULL BIO
Jeniffer Cruz, Ph.D., NCSP is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. READ FULL BIO
