A Fun, supportive space for siblings of individuals with down syndrome.
Siblings have their own important journey. They may feel love, pride, protectiveness, confusion, frustration, worry, or responsibility — sometimes all at the same time. KDSN Pathways Sibshops gives siblings a place where they can connect with other kids who understand what it is like to have a brother or sister with Down syndrome.
Sibshops are designed to be fun, active, and meaningful. Through games, guided conversations, activities, and connection, siblings have the opportunity to share, learn, laugh, and build friendships with others who “get it.”
This is not therapy and it is not childcare. Sibshops are a peer-support and education opportunity created just for siblings.
About Sibshops
Sibshops are part of KDSN Pathways, Kern Down Syndrome Network’s education and support program for families, siblings, individuals with Down syndrome, educators, and community partners.
This portion of the program focuses on siblings of individuals with Down syndrome. Siblings are often deeply connected to their brother or sister’s life, but they may not always have a space where their own questions, feelings, and experiences are centered.
KDSN Sibshops gives siblings that space.
Each session is designed to be welcoming, age-appropriate, and engaging. Siblings can meet other kids, participate in activities, talk about the good and hard parts of being a sibling, and learn more about Down syndrome and the supports their brother or sister may receive.
Why sibshops matter
When a family is supporting a child or adult with a disability, siblings are part of that family story too.
Siblings may have questions they do not know how to ask. They may wonder why their brother or sister receives certain services, needs extra help, communicates differently, or gets more attention at times. They may also feel proud, protective, or deeply connected in ways that are hard to explain to friends who do not share that experience.
Sibshops help siblings:
The goal is not to make siblings responsible for caregiving. The goal is to support them, listen to them, and remind them that their experiences matter too.
Who Can Attend?
KDSN Sibshops are designed for siblings of individuals with Down syndrome.
This may include siblings who:
Each Sibshop may have a specific age range depending on the session, activity, and group needs. Please review each event description before registering.
If you are unsure whether Sibshops is the right fit for your child, you are welcome to contact KDSN before registering.
What siblings can expect
Sibshops are meant to feel fun, welcoming, and comfortable.
Activities may include:
Siblings are never forced to share more than they want to. They can participate at their own comfort level while still being part of the group.
A space that belongs to siblings
At KDSN, we believe siblings deserve support that is just for them.
Parents and caregivers are often looking for resources, services, and answers for their loved one with Down syndrome. Sibshops gives siblings their own place to be recognized, supported, and included.
This space is designed to help siblings feel:
Siblings are not expected to have everything figured out. They are allowed to ask questions, have feelings, and simply enjoy being with others who understand.
Older siblings: Want to help?
Older siblings can be powerful role models for younger siblings.
If you are an older sibling of someone with Down syndrome and would like to volunteer with KDSN Sibshops, we would love to hear from you. Older sibling volunteers may help support activities, welcome younger participants, assist facilitators, and share encouragement in a way that helps younger siblings feel understood.
Volunteer opportunities may depend on age, availability, training, and the needs of each session.
Older siblings who volunteer should be comfortable creating a positive, respectful, and supportive environment for younger participants.
Community partners & supporters
KDSN welcomes community members, professionals, organizations, and partners who want to support siblings and strengthen our Sibshops program.
We are especially interested in support that helps siblings feel seen, encouraged, and connected. This may include age-appropriate activities, sibling-focused resources, guest speakers, creative projects, emotional wellness support, or other meaningful additions that align with the purpose of Sibshops.
Community support may include:
All community support must be appropriate for children, aligned with KDSN’s mission, and respectful of the Sibshops model.
If you would like to support our siblings or help add additional resources to KDSN Sibshops, we would love to connect.