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.
The day my sister was born, I had no idea this tiny baby would become the most important person in the world to me. Nearly four decades later, we are soul mates. As children, we could be silly together but we were too different to enjoy the same things. That all changed when I took … Continued
Living through the pandemic coronacoaster has been even more challenging for those of us who have been shielding to protect clinically vulnerable siblings. My brother Dan has Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities due to a rare genetic condition called ATRX. Our younger brother Sam who had the same condition passed away suddenly from sepsis … Continued
This pic was taken in autumn 2020 when my sister Carol had just had a hip replacement at Hinchingbrooke hospital in Cambridgeshire. It’s not the most glamorous pic but then, it’s not always glamorous being a sibling is it?! Carol has Apert Syndrome which for her means she has some physical and some mild learning … Continued
During covid my whole life changed. I work for the NHS on a critical care unit and am a single parent to a little boy. My dad and mum usually help out with adhoc care. My brother Mark has learning disabilities, and in December 2019 he had to move in with my dad as an … Continued
Where am I? Almost 2 years on – that is a good question and it feels like it is very difficult to answer. I really want to write this update and tell a story of everything being great – that I am back to doing the things I love. The reality is that I feel … Continued
Over the summer of 2021, many Covid-19 restrictions were lifted across the UK and many people returned to pre-covid activities. For some siblings, this wasn’t possible. Some continue to shield or take daily life extremely cautiously, in order to protect their clinically vulnerable brother or sister. Our shielding survey in August 2021 revealed the extent … Continued
I struggle to think about the last 6 months of life as a sibling in Covid times, such a kaleidoscope of thoughts, feelings and experiences. Some days I feel like time is flying by, other days are long and difficult and loneliness really hits hard. The loneliness of the last 6 months has been really … Continued
How have the last 6 months been for you as a sibling? The last 6 months have been immeasurably better and easier than the first 3-4 months of the pandemic. The company providing my brother, Jonathan, with care & support have been fantastic. They had a recruitment round over the summer, which means he’s now … Continued
We are Esther and Judith. We’re sisters to our brother, Jonathan, who is autistic and has a learning disability. He has a weekly routine of activities and supported training placements. In March, the café he works at closed, and the rest of his activities, including all social and sporting groups, were cancelled. This left Jonathan … Continued
My brother is in his 50s and lives semi-independently with the help of myself and carers. Before coronavirus was an issue, he spent his week doing activities at a local centre and enjoyed drumming and ballroom dancing lessons. My brother has anxiety and traits of autism, so these activities were great for helping him to … Continued
Would you like to help other siblings by sharing your own story? Please get in touch.