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Every sibling of a person with special needs has had a unique experience. For many, being a sibling has brought much joy. For others, there have been considerable personal challenges to overcome. Your response to growing up with a brother or sister with special needs is as valid as anyone else’s. Each individual experience will depend on a whole range of factors, including personality and age factors, reactions of others, the level of social support etc. Many siblings have a very active role in the life of their brother or sister with special needs, both giving and gaining care and support. Some take on more responsibility as their parents age. Alternatively, for some, the responsibility can be too onerous, causing a sibling to truly distance themselves from the family as they move into adulthood. This can add to feelings of guilt and isolation.
One of the most valuable realisations for any sibling is that they are not alone; that there are others out there who have felt similar emotions or experienced similar situations. Some face-to-face adult sibling groups have been established but, with busy lifestyles, internet based groups have been very successful both here and overseas.
The goal of Siblings Australia is to strengthen families. Through this website we hope to create connections between adult siblings so that you can share both emotional support and practical information about a whole range of issues that concern you and your brother or sister with special needs.
What adult siblings say:
I just wanted to let you know I love the website and it has been so helpful to me. Reading it has made me feel normal again and all the feelings I have had over all these years have been validated.
Hopefully young siblings won’t have such a hard time of it as we have had, thanks to things, such as this website, that increase people's understanding.
~Diane, 42~
When I found this website it was like 'coming home'. I've never understood my feelings as a sibling. Now it makes much more sense.
~Jan, 37~
If you would like to share your thoughts or feelings about being a sibling, contact us with your story. Tell us if you are happy for us to include it on our website. If you would prefer you can use a pseudonym. Also please share with us any advice or words of wisdom you have for younger sibs, for parents or for providers.
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