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.
Written by Louise Walters, adult sibling to brother who has autism We are going to the farm today and we are going to have a picnic. You watch me write the words on your white board. You jump up and start pacing the minute I put down the pen. You are ready to leave now. … Continued
I have a very close relationship with my brother Kev who has Down’s syndrome as there’s only a three-year age gap between us. He’s always been very protective of me and worries even if I just have a sniffle or a slight cough. In the past three years, I’ve actually had two surgeries for separate … Continued
Growing up as the middle sibling to two brothers with profound and multiple learning disabilities has made me the person I am today. Being tuned in to non-verbal brothers taught me to live mindfully well before anyone knew what that might mean. I am aware of the environment around me, changes in sound and light, … Continued
“Being a sibling has taught me so much. It has taught me to be resilient, to never judge a book by it’s cover and most importantly it has taught me about unconditional love” – Chloe Newton Check out Chloe’s article in iNews: “What growing up as a ‘glass child’ with a severely disabled sister taught me … Continued
Above: In this video, Charlotte Flynn shares what she has learnt from her sister who has learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues. My sister has taught me to… Be compassionate There are people who interact with my sister in exactly the way that she deserves. These people brighten her day and make her feel … Continued
Above: Joan and her sister, Irene Sibling Joan Corrigan shares her experiences in this powerful two-part blog ‘Accountability’. We know that many siblings will relate to Joan, when she says: “The powerlessness I feel is the worst, but not for me, for my sister. I feel this strong compulsion to protect her, given my skills … Continued
Around eighteen months ago, our family were informed that my brother D’s appointee, the manager of the project where he lives within a supported living community, was retiring. We were asked whether we as a family would like to take over the appointeeship, or whether we wanted his local council to step in. We had … Continued
Conversations with Carers explores the lived experience of paid and unpaid carers through a series of podcasts and articles, which have also inspired 5 short dance films performed by disabled and non-disabled artists, some of who are also carers. Conversations with Carers is created by Rashmi Becker, MBE, Founder of Step Change Studios, and supported … Continued
Conversations with Carers is a series of podcasts, articles and innovative dance films, which examines the realities of paid and unpaid care. Conversations with Carers is created by Rashmi Becker, MBE, Founder of Step Change Studios, and supported using public funding by Arts Council England. In this video, you can watch dancers Max Cookward … Continued
Conversations with Carers is a series of podcasts, articles and innovative dance films, which examines the realities of paid and unpaid care. The work is created by Rashmi Becker, MBE, Founder of Step Change Studios, and supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Episode 3: The informal Carer Photo credit: Conversations with Carers, produced … Continued
Would you like to help other siblings by sharing your own story? Please get in touch.