Dear Connor, I sometimes sit and wonder just how different life would be if the Gods had made you the “standard” of what a young man should be. I wonder if you’d be out all day, playing with your friends. Or chatting up the girls and driving our Mum round the bend! Would you have … Continued
For as long as I can remember, I have been close to my sisters. I’m the youngest of three – it feels like having two best friends who will always look out for me. I was drawn to Sibs because one of my sisters, Joanna, has autism and a learning disability. When Joanna and I … Continued
When my now husband and I first met, we were practically babies. We were both 20 years old (over 40 years ago) and caught up in the excitement of a special kind of intense love for one another, a powerful draw that was palpable. At the time, we both lived away from our homes, having … Continued
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
An extract from “The Sibling” by Jools Abrams (currently out on submission) Epilogue: Blackpool It is the first day of October, two days shy of my brother’s fifty second birthday, when we find ourselves on holiday again, the first without our parents, and the first time we are sharing a room since childhood. We are … Continued
I met my partner at my local library where we were both volunteering over the summer. Three months previously, I had split with my ex-girlfriend and quit a teaching job that was impacting my mental health – I was definitely not looking for a relationship! He struck me instantly as a kind, genuine person and … Continued
These are a few paintings I have done of my brother who has autism. Artwork by Poppy Scoffings. https://poppyscoffings.com/
I’m the only family member for my brother aged 52 with Asperger’s and my mother, aged 88, who has dementia. So, if I can’t see anything about my relationship with my brother as a positive, how do I, as a great believer in the life-changing effects of focusing on positives, find a positive in having … Continued
Sibling Truths Important: This is a personal account that may/may not be reflective of other people’s experiences. There are many times when having a sibling with a disability is hard; life-changingly, cripplingly hard. I feel we don’t speak about this enough. Social media is full of posts of parents celebrating their children’s disabilities, sharing moments … Continued
I met my husband through mutual friends. We were friends for years before getting together. We’ve been a couple for 19 years and married for 9. I honestly feel so blessed to have found him. My previous relationship was very toxic. My ex had had a very difficult life, he came from a broken home … Continued