Sibshops are best described as opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context. Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many somewhere in between.

Sibshops seek to provide siblings with opportunities for peer support. Because Sibshops are designed (primarily) for school-age children, peer support is provided within a lively, recreational context that emphasises a child’s eye view.

Sibshops acknowledge that most brothers and sisters of people with special needs, like their parents, are doing well, despite the challenges of autism. Consequently while Sibshop facilitators always keep an eye open for participants who may need additional services, the Sibshop model takes a wellness approach.