Rett Sydrome

Hello Diane...I am a special education teacher and often have to answer questions to my own children about what I do. All of my children have met my students and are slowly starting to ask fewer questions. I think that exposure to many kids with various disabilities (two girls with retts) has helped my kids see it as less different. They will often refer to the kids that I teache as the kids with different kids of brains and legs. Right now my own kids are little so I tried to explain it the best they could understand, just that some people were made different. I once pointed out differences in them like different shows or food they like and how differences make us all special. You can talk to the guidance counselor at your son's school about language that will reach him the best, or try asking your daughter's child study team for help and information. I hope this helps.

I would just talk to him and do the best you can to answer any questions.

Hi
My son is 3 and has PDD-NOS
The best thing to do when we are around his cousins/friends is make extra specail time for them
Explaining that it's not his sister's fault she has her condition.
Doing a daytime trip with your son to the children's playground or movies and pizza. Make it a once a month date for the two of you to catch up.

Just take it like you would if his sister didn't have rett syn. Explain that he's a big brother now and he has to help care for his sister becuase thats what we do for people we love. Tell him about rett's in a way he will understand and compare it something else that he may see in his own life. The key is making sure he understands what's going on and make sure that you make time to focus on him as well, to make him feel special.

Hi. Hopefully this will apply to your situation; there is a program called Sibshops. Usually the libraries have fliers about if. It is designed to help siblings understand their brother or sister's special needs. Also, check out the website for Brookes Publishing Company: www.brookespublishingco.com. They specialize in books on special needs, and have a lot of topics for families.

I would try to include your six year old in the routines and make him a "helper". I would treat the things that you need to do for her not as "special" but just as things you do for your little sister. And make sure to praise him for being so loving and great.
I think it's also key, for Daddy to help in this process as at this age, he is going to be looking towards the male figure to see how this is approprite and "normal".
In the end, you will have a very caring and nurturing older brother. And as he has questions about her condition, just answer them honestly.
Good Luck!