Understanding disability or illness

Disability can be hard to understand

Lots of siblings feel that they don't know enough about the disability or illness

You may have heard things from people at school or from relatives about the disability which might not be true

You may want to ask your parent about the disability but are worried that it will upset them

Siblings' questions

Can I get the disability?

Will my brother or sister be able to walk?

How does the disability make my brother or sister behave like that?

Why does my brother or sister have this disability?

Will my brother or sister die?

Why does my brother or sister have to have operations?

Is it my fault that my brother or sister is sick?

Siblings need information

Sibling deserve to get information about disability when they need it. It is better to get proper facts from your parent. Some parents do get upset but it is still OK to ask. Parents say they prefer their children to ask them for information rather than just keeping their concerns to themsleves.

Tips

• You cannot catch a disability from your brother or sister. It is not like having flu or a tummy bug. Most children are born with a disability, and some children become disabled because of an accident or a very serious illness.
   
• Ask your parent for information about your brother’s or sister’s disability or illness. A parent may have already told you things but as you get older you may need to know more details.
   
• Does a social worker or health worker come to see your brother or sister at home? Tell that person you want to know more about your brother’s or sister’s condition and treatments.
   
• If your brother or sister is ill a lot you may be worried that he or she will die. Tell your parent that you are worried and that you need to talk about it.
   
• Ask your parent to get you books about the disability or a leaflet from the internet. You can also Contact Sibs to help you find out more