The thing about being a sibling to someone with a lifelong disability is that it is very difficult to know how you feel about it. The depth of emotions are never linear and only as an adult have I realised the significance of what this has meant, how it has shaped me, and how it … Continued
It is difficult to talk about the realities of being a sibling without feeling I am doing my parents an injustice for the incredible job they did raising us. Ultimately, however, no amount of love can ease the pain of experiencing just how cruel the world has the potential to be that young. … Continued
I am a twenty-year-old who has a disabled sister who is now twenty-one. They received an autism diagnosis at birth. Growing up with my disabled sister certainly had ups and downs. On reflection, a feeling of volatility stands out: you would never really know how a day would go. Many days were happy such as … Continued
I’ve been a sibling carer for my non-verbal autistic and epileptic twin brother my entire life. Yet, I only labelled myself a ‘carer’ at the age of 23, just two years ago. I found out I was a carer in the midst of the pandemic, a time where like many, I was riddled with fear … Continued
Siblings are typically the most consistent advocate for their disabled brother or sister throughout their lives. Many siblings do advocacy without even realising they’re doing it – whether that is young siblings advocating for their disabled brother/sister to be included in activities as children, or adult siblings pushing service providers to do better. Despite falling … Continued
“About this talk: Having lost one brother to the world of autism and another to a terminal illness, Alicia Maples never knew a normal childhood. Expected to always put on a brave face, Alicia played the role of good girl on the outside. One the inside, however, she was dying. In this heart-wrenching talk, Alicia … Continued
Emma Dooney (2023) ‘My brother is the reason I don’t want kids even though he’s my favourite human’ Courtney H. Van Houtven (2022) ‘Standing up for my sister’ Jo Whiley (2022) ‘What my disabled sister taught me about love and loyalty’ Hannah Foulds (2020) ‘My sister’s learning disability and mental illness are not ‘a blessing’ … Continued
On your radio Solihull – The South Asian Hour (2023) Adult sibling Monica talks about her experiences of being a carer Autism: In conversation with auticon (2022) Episode 9: Being a Sibling of an Autistic Person Tough topics in LD (2022) S2, Episode 2: Thriving in times of challenge with Charlotte Flynn Shapes of Grief, … Continued
An Irish Goodbye (2022) “On a farm in rural Northern Ireland, estranged brothers Turlough (Seamus O’Hara) and Lorcan (James Martin) are forced to reunite following the untimely death of their mother (Michelle Fairley). But when the pair discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mum, their pained reunion takes an altogether different course.” … Continued