What’s it like to grow up with a disabled brother or sister?
Hear more about the experiences of siblings in the video below, which was created in 2021 to celebrate Sibs 20th anniversary
Category: Media
Alicia Maples – Recognizing Glass Children (TED Talk)
“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
Tired of Spinning Plates
“Tired of Spinning Plates” is a project to understand and improve the mental health experiences of carers of adults with learning disabilities. Sibs is a partner of this project. Four sibling carers made short films about their experiences, which you can watch below. Click here to find out more about the Tired of Spinning Plates Project. … Continued
Articles and blogs for adult siblings
Sam Carlisle (2025) ‘A STAKE IN THE HEART’ I felt I’d failed my brother, 17, on day he died & couldn’t say his name as I hid the pain, says Traitors star Alexander’ Kelle Salle (2024) ‘I was just 7 years old when I saw my brother laughed at for his disability’ Emma Dooney (2023) … Continued
Podcasts for adult siblings
The Special Needs Sibling Podcast (2023 – current) “A space where we talk about what life is REALLY like as a sibling to someone with a mental and/or physical disability.” Find it on your favourite platform (links here) On your radio Solihull – The South Asian Hour (2023) Adult sibling Monica talks about her experiences … Continued
Zach shares his voice to make his twin brother’s talkpad more personal
Zach’s twin brother Reuben, is autistic and non-verbal. Reuben started to use an Augmentative Communication Device (ACD) but struggled to bond with the standardised voice that came with it. Zach offered his own voice, to make the device more personal. “I volunteered to do it because I think it’s very special for Ruben and very … Continued
TV programmes for adult siblings
Films for adult siblings
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
Kausar – “Was I moulded into this role? It just comes from within myself”
In this video, adult sibling Kausar shares her experiences of growing up in a large family, caring for her two brothers who have learning disabilities, alongside juggling work and raising her own family. She reflects on the loss of her father and how her own death will impact her brothers too. This video is available … Continued
Charlotte & Alistair – Thriving in times of challenge
Tough topics in LD is a podcast created by sibling Alistair Beverley, the LD Physio. You can find more episodes here. In this episode, Alistair is joined by sibling and life coach Charlotte Flynn as they discuss thriving in times of challenge in the run up to National Siblings Day on 10th April. The episode … Continued