Home YoungSibs Info and advice Thinking about the future I want to be more involved in meetings about my brother

I want to be more involved in meetings about my brother

Many siblings are concerned about how their disabled brothers and sisters will cope with moving to a bigger school. They wonder if teachers will understand their brother or sister's needs and if other pupils will be kind to them. It is a big change for all children going to secondary school, but siblings know that it is can be harder for children who need support with learning, communicating and with making friends. Parents may also be feeling worried about this and that affects siblings too.

Most siblings become experts about stuff to do with their brother or sister’s medical needs or their behaviour. They often know how to be advocates for their disabled brothers and sisters though their experience of speaking up for them and helping them communicate. Some siblings want to be involved in meetings about their brother or sister’s needs and this is a positive thing. Your views can be really helpful when decisions are being made about your brother or sister’s care or support.

Some of the ways you can get involved in meetings

Ask your parent to tell you more about the meetings that are held about your brother or sister and ask if you can go to one of these.

If part of a meeting has to be private or your brother or sister does not want you to be there, ask your parent to give you a summary of the meeting and explain the main things that have been decided.

If you are not able to go to the meeting write your views down for your parent to read out at the meeting.

Whenever there is an appointment with my sister's consultant mum asks me to write down any questions I have and she asks them for me.

More about the future

Many siblings wonder about the future. They want to be able to lead their own lives and also want their brothers and sisters to have good lives too.

Sibling info about disability

Many siblings find it hard to understand disability. Find out about different disabilities and conditions here.

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