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.
Filter by category:
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
Articles and blogs for adult siblings
Kelle Salle (2024) ‘I was just 7 years old when I saw my brother laughed at for his disability’ Emma Dooney (2023) ‘My brother is the reason I don’t want kids even though he’s my favourite human’ Courtney H. Van Houtven (2022) ‘Standing up for my sister’ Please note: This article discusses death and bereavement … Continued
Podcasts for adult siblings
On your radio Solihull – The South Asian Hour (2023) Adult sibling Monica talks about her experiences of being a carer Autism: In conversation with auticon (2022) Episode 9: Being a Sibling of an Autistic Person Tough topics in LD (2022) S2, Episode 2: Thriving in times of challenge with Charlotte Flynn Shapes of Grief, … 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
Books for adult siblings
Non-fiction Brother. Do. You. Love. Me By Manni Coe and Reuben Coe (2024); Canongate Sunday Times Bestseller. Waterstones non-fiction book of the month, March 2024. Shortlisted for Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. “Reuben, aged 38, was living in a home for adults with learning disabilities and struggling to accept that he … Continued
Tyler – Poem: “Dear Connor”
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
Would you like to help other siblings by sharing your own story? Please get in touch.