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
Tag: School life
Josh – “People often don’t realise I am an identical twin”
Olly and I were born twenty years ago. We are identical in every way until he was diagnosed with autism, learning difficulties, and ADHD. This has led to us having different life plans from the start: I am destined to care for Olly all my life, while Olly is destined to be cared for. Olly … Continued
Ruby – “I feel every pain that passes through his body”
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
Adult sibling experiences of secondary school
Read the stories of eight adult siblings as they reflect on their experiences of secondary school. We asked them what helped them as a child, what didn’t, and what support they would want for young siblings today. The responses are powerful. “I told my teacher that my sister has cerebral palsy and he immediately recognised … Continued
Rachel – “Everything was about my autistic brother and I felt left out”
When people hear I have an autistic sibling, they always seem to jump straight to an apology… like I should feel sad that my brother has autism. Personally, I have never understood this. I love my brother more than life itself and he is the greatest person in my life. It’s hard to say whether … Continued
Prakash – “My brother and sister both have severe learning disabilities and epilepsy”
I am the youngest of four children to two loving and amazing parents. Two of my siblings have severe learning disabilities and epilepsy. My sister, Mira, who is 45, and my twin brother, Prasad, who is 38. Their disabilities were caused by medical failures at birth. It has been an emotional roller coaster being part … Continued
Abby – “I worried about my disabled brother’s future”
I remember the night my brother was born – I was two and a half and it was probably the first time I’d been away from my parents. I was put to bed at our neighbour’s house in a big double bed. I was wary of the size of the bed and the sheets felt … Continued