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
Sibling stories
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.
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Monica – “Finding out I was a carer was my light bulb moment”
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
Kimber – “Advocating as a sibling”
Siblings are typically the most consistent advocate for their disabled brother or sister throughout their lives. Many siblings do advocacy without even realising they’re doing it – whether that is young siblings advocating for their disabled brother/sister to be included in activities as children, or adult siblings pushing service providers to do better. Despite falling … Continued
Alicia Maples – Recognizing Glass Children (TED Talk)
“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
“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
Articles and blogs for adult siblings
Sam Carlisle (2025) ‘A STAKE IN THE HEART’ I felt I’d failed my brother, 17, on day he died & couldn’t say his name as I hid the pain, says Traitors star Alexander’ Kelle Salle (2024) ‘I was just 7 years old when I saw my brother laughed at for his disability’ Emma Dooney (2023) … Continued
Podcasts for adult siblings
The Special Needs Sibling Podcast (2023 – current) “A space where we talk about what life is REALLY like as a sibling to someone with a mental and/or physical disability.” Find it on your favourite platform (links here) On your radio Solihull – The South Asian Hour (2023) Adult sibling Monica talks about her experiences … Continued
Hello Halo
Composer, violinist & sound artist Ruby Colley invites you to the premiere of her new vocal work ‘Hello Halo,’ performed with Exaudi Ensemble, a leading vocal ensemble for new music. There are two premiere performances: Kings Place, London 1st Feb Liverpool Philharmonic 3rd Feb (free tickets for 2pm performance here and 8pm performance here) This … Continued
TV programmes for adult siblings
Films for adult siblings
An Irish Goodbye (2022) “On a farm in rural Northern Ireland, estranged brothers Turlough (Seamus O’Hara) and Lorcan (James Martin) are forced to reunite following the untimely death of their mother (Michelle Fairley). But when the pair discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mum, their pained reunion takes an altogether different course.” … Continued
Would you like to help other siblings by sharing your own story? Please get in touch.