Personal Perspective: Growing up alongside a sibling with a disability or special need has its joys and challenges. Here's what we wish more people understood about the experience.
Growing up alongside someone with a disability or chronic medical condition is a unique experience – and an increasingly common one. Approximately. The presence of a disability affects everyone in the family system. Yet, the impacts are often overlooked or minimized for typical), I’ve encountered hundreds of special needs siblings, ranging from children to adults. In almost every conversation I have with other siblings, a few common themes and challenges emerge.
Every child needs the undivided attention of safe adults regularly. Validating the needs of everyone in the family and making space for special needs siblings to express those needs helps the development of healthy relationships in adulthood.and household duties to take some of the pressure off their overburdened parents. And while many siblings are eager to assist, remember that they are still children and deserve to be treated as such.
Enlisting the support of a skilled therapist may help siblings work through painful emotions. There are also support groups and organizations such as theFind a Family Therapy Therapist Typical siblings want parents and caregivers to be aware of this and to talk openly about the things they see and experience. In some cases, it may be helpful to consult a child psychologist or family therapist to help siblings process any unresolvedMany adult siblings I talk with are concerned about what might happen to their high needs sibling when their parents are no longer able to care for them. Yet, many parents are reluctant to create a long-term care plan or discuss end-of-life issues.
Sitting down with a social worker, attorney, or a care planning advocate is one of the best ways you can support everyone in the household. You can discuss issues such as: guardianship, group homes or independent living options, medical directives, power of attorney, health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid options, disability or social security payments, and more. It may feel uncomfortable to talk about these topics, but it’s much better to do so before a crisis arises.
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