Newswise — Sibling relationships are lifelong, and often constitute one of the most important relationships in an individual’s life. While current interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) emphasize the involvement of parents and their relationship with their child, current theory and research has only begun to examine the value of including siblings in the ASD treatment. The Family Institute at Northwestern University postdoctoral fellow and therapist Julie Saflarski, PsyD, is available to comment on sibling involvement in the treatment of Autism.

“Educating siblings about Autism Spectrum Disorder can help them better understand their parents’ interventions at home,” says Dr. Saflarski. “It can also help them learn to model their parents’ healthy interpersonal strategies — both directly in their relationship with their sibling with ASD, as well as in social situations in which other children are interacting with their sibling.” Dr. Saflarski received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a double minor in English and Community Conflict Resolution at North Central College and completed her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Adler University. Her clinical interests focus on treating children, adolescents, and families who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression, special needs, and developmental disabilities. She also works to help support parents and families to best promote healthy development and resilience in their children. To speak to Dr. Saflarski about sibling involvement in the treatment of Autism, or to learn more about The Family Institute, please contact Cyndi Schu, Director of Public Relations, at cschu@family-institute or 312-609-5300, ext. 483.

ABOUT THE FAMILY INSTITUTE AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY – For over 45 years, The Family Institute at Northwestern University (www.family-institute.org) has been committed to strengthening and healing families and individuals from all walks of life through clinical service, education and research. An affiliate of Northwestern University, The Family Institute is a unique, innovative not-for-profit organization, governed by its own independent Board of Directors and responsible for its own funding. The Institute offers a wide range of high quality mental health counseling through our staff practice and our sliding-fee scale Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic, where we are committed to serving at-risk, under-resourced communities. The Family Institute also operates two nationally-renowned graduate programs in marriage and family therapy and counseling psychology in affiliation with Northwestern University, and conducts cutting-edge research projects that lead to a better understanding and treatment of mental health issues.