Being a sibling can be complicated and challenging. Many siblings grow up not knowing there are other people out there with similar experiences, but it can really help to know that you’re not alone. In this section, adult siblings share their stories of life with their disabled brother or sister.
Ewen is my big brother and he has consumed my life from the moment I entered this complex world. I never recall questioning why Ewen didn’t talk, nor why we couldn’t attend the family meet-up or neighbour’s birthday party. My pride for my brother has always been in great abundance, not leaving any space for … Continued
‘Glass child’ Apparently I am a glass child, We don’t have any problems and don’t make a fuss. We’re doing fine so don’t worry about us. Yet in truth every day I felt guilty as my life rolled on. With my school, my friends, my hobbies…while for you there were none. I sensed … Continued
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
Pam: “I believe that visual art, along with other art forms, can convey difficult to articulate feelings and emotions. What follows are images of my original artwork. Many of the artworks were intentionally created to visually convey some of the known issues faced by siblings of people with disabilities, for example: ‘the glass child’ idea, … 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
“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” 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
I am the middle child. Three words to sum up my life as a sibling would be responsibility, patience and loneliness. My younger brother, Richard, has Downs’ Syndrome and now early onset dementia and my older brother, David, was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his late teens. I was the reliable one; the responsible one; the … Continued
Would you like to help other siblings by sharing your own story? Please get in touch.