Do you have a sibling with SMS? Would you like to connect with another person who also has a sibling with SMS to share your experiences? We can help.
The PRISMS SMS Teenage Sibling Mentorship Program connects teenage siblings (ages 12-17) of individuals with SMS with trained adult mentors who can share common experiences and offer support.
How does the program work?
The PRISMS SMS Teenage Sibling Mentorship Program is here to support you! This FREE peer-to-peer phone or video/virtual mentorship program helps ensure that you have the information and support you need.
PRISMS will match you with a mentor for this eight-week program (or longer if desired!). Your mentor is another individual who also has a sibling with SMS. Once matched, your mentor will contact you to engage in one-on-one in person, phone, or virtual conversations and build a helpful sibling connection.
How is this program helpful?
Siblings of individuals with SMS have unique needs, and it can be difficult to connect with other siblings due to the rarity of this diagnosis. While group or other online supports are wonderful, many siblings prefer to connect directly with another sibling with shared experiences. The PRISMS SMS Teenage Sibling Mentorship Program provides the one-on-one supports that siblings have requested in addition to other supports available through PRISMS.
- This program seeks to connect siblings of individuals with SMS and allows siblings to:
- Share their personal experiences about SMS and benefit from others’ experiences and perspectives.
- Explore questions and challenges that are unique among siblings of individuals with SMS.
- Discuss ideas, goals, and needs in a private, comfortable environment.
- Brainstorm strategies to assist with sibling relationships, address caregiver needs, and implement self-care strategies.
How is the program structured?
This is a weekly, semi-structured program that takes place over the course of eight weeks. Each week will have a different theme to discuss, although your mentor and you are welcome to discuss other topics as well.
- Topics are as follows:
- Understanding SMS
- Emotional and Behavioral Challenges associated with SMS
- Family and Sibling Dynamics
- Communicating Needs
- Coping Skills and Self-Care
- Benefits and Personal Growth
- Siblings in Caregiver Roles
- Putting It All Together
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can participate in this program?
All teenage siblings (ages 12-17) of individuals with SMS are encouraged to enroll in the program. You and your guardian need to be able to communicate in English to participate.
If you are an adult who has a sibling with SMS and would like to participate in our PRISMS SMS Adult Sibling Connection Program, please click here to learn more and enroll in the program.
What kinds of questions can I ask?
In addition to the topics that will be discussed in the eight-week program, feel free to ask questions about support, resources, and guidance on your daily life with SMS and needs you may have for the future. Our sibling mentors are here to offer support and advice to help you with the complexities and unique experiences associated with having a sibling with SMS. They cannot provide medical or mental health advice or guidance.
Do I pick my mentor?
We will review your application and match you to a well-trained mentor. This person can address most of your questions and provide helpful support and advice.
Should I have a set of questions ready?
You certainly can if you want, but it is okay if you are not sure exactly what you want to ask or discuss. Our mentors are trained to start the conversations, and the two of you can decide what to discuss from there.
How many times should I expect to talk to my mentor?
This mentorship program is designed to run for eight weeks. Once the eight weeks are completed, your mentor and you can decide if you want to continue meeting.
How do I enroll in the PRISMS SMS Teenage Sibling Mentorship Program?
Click here to provide your information, and we will match you with a mentor.