I’ve lived this from both sides. I grew up as the sibling of someone with a disability, and now I’m raising one. My daughter is growing up alongside her brother, who has Down syndrome. While some of that is hard, some of it has made her more patient and empathetic.

Siblings carry a unique role in these families. They help early and often, notice unfairness before most kids do, and sometimes feel invisible while loving fiercely. Nobody hands you a guide for this, so I’m sharing my insights and resources. If you’re a sibling, a parent, or someone who loves a family like mine, I’m glad you’re here.

Resources

Sibling Leadership Network – A national nonprofit whose mission is to provide siblings of individuals with disabilities the information, support and tools to advocate with their brothers and sisters and to promote the issues important to them and their entire families. See their research here.

Sibling Support Project –  Sibling Support Project is a national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special developmental, health, and mental health needs. 

Special Needs Alliance – A nonprofit comprised of attorneys who have guided thousands of families through the process of planning for a loved one’s long-term well-being. Many SNA members have children or siblings with disabilities, adding a personal perspective to their legal insights.