When other people react badly

Siblings can feel embarrassed

People stare when they see something or someone different. It can feel really embarrassing when this happens. Sometimes we get worried about this and then we notice it every time we go out.

People are usually just curious but some people can also be rude and behave badly towards you and your family; this can happen when a disabled person goes into a café or shop, or places like the cinema.

 'I like to see people talking to my brother, he can not talk but it makes him laugh. I am not too keen on the people who stare because that’s rude and a bit mean. I love my brother very much.’  Nadia 

Some things you can do are:

• Get cards to hand to people to explain your brother or sister's disability. Many siblings find this helpful if their brother or sister has autism.

• Ignore the staring and instead think of all the nice things that are happening - like the people who look friendly, the things you like in the shops, the nice food you are eating. When we concentrate really hard on the nice things, we don’t notice the other things so much.

• Talk to your parent about how you feel when people stare.

• Ask your parent if you can stay at home sometimes or stay with a friend - if the embarrassment is very difficult for you.