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.
My brother, Mark, has periventricular leukomalacia which is a lifelong disability caused by damage to his brain around the time of his birth. This has impacted him physically, cognitively and made him partially sighted. He has always lived in boarding schools or supported living due to the level of his needs, including challenging behaviour. Mark … Continued
My earliest memory of my brother is scooting up and down the children’s ward in a toy car at St James’ hospital in Leeds. Although I was almost 3 when he was born, I think I knew even then that he was poorly and somehow ‘different’ to other people’s siblings. Growing up with my brother … Continued
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
My youngest brother Reuben, who has Down’s Syndrome, suffered a breakdown 4 years ago. It was a form of regression that locked him into himself. After two years of moving between my parents and partner´s homes, as we were trying to get him better, he moved into a care home in Dorset, UK. Then the … Continued
Written by Louise Walters, adult sibling to brother who has autism We are going to the farm today and we are going to have a picnic. You watch me write the words on your white board. You jump up and start pacing the minute I put down the pen. You are ready to leave now. … Continued
I have a very close relationship with my brother Kev who has Down’s syndrome as there’s only a three-year age gap between us. He’s always been very protective of me and worries even if I just have a sniffle or a slight cough. In the past three years, I’ve actually had two surgeries for separate … Continued
Growing up as the middle sibling to two brothers with profound and multiple learning disabilities has made me the person I am today. Being tuned in to non-verbal brothers taught me to live mindfully well before anyone knew what that might mean. I am aware of the environment around me, changes in sound and light, … Continued
“Being a sibling has taught me so much. It has taught me to be resilient, to never judge a book by it’s cover and most importantly it has taught me about unconditional love” – Chloe Newton Check out Chloe’s article in iNews: “What growing up as a ‘glass child’ with a severely disabled sister taught me … Continued
Above: In this video, Charlotte Flynn shares what she has learnt from her sister who has learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues. My sister has taught me to… Be compassionate There are people who interact with my sister in exactly the way that she deserves. These people brighten her day and make her feel … Continued
Above: Joan and her sister, Irene Sibling Joan Corrigan shares her experiences in this powerful two-part blog ‘Accountability’. We know that many siblings will relate to Joan, when she says: “The powerlessness I feel is the worst, but not for me, for my sister. I feel this strong compulsion to protect her, given my skills … Continued
Would you like to help other siblings by sharing your own story? Please get in touch.