I can’t stand my disabled brother! Silent struggle of siblings of the disabled
I can’t stand my disabled brother! Silent struggle of siblings of the disabled
We experience many emotions supporting and caring for disabled family. We learn to understand non-verbal cues, and can tell what facial expression means I love you and what twitch or head turn means pain. Hugs are absolutely life giving. In fact, we often talk about the joys and close bonds that come with our roles in the lives of disabled family and friends. We give that love unconditionally and usually without complaint. However, there can be a silent struggle for siblings of the disabled. Having a brother or sister with a diagnosis can leave siblings feeling like they don’t have a voice. They can become afraid of their feelings of jealousy over the attention their brother receives from dad. They can feel invisible when their sister has a tantrum and their mom drops everything to help her manage her behavior. Indeed, all the meetings, planning, care, and travel may make siblings feel like the only way they can get attention is to act out themselves. For siblings of the disabled, with all that internal conflict they may not be able to express how they feel.
How do I support my non-disabled child
While this is one available option, don’t be afraid to start your own support network. You can reach out to other families and arrange play dates with all the children (disabled and non-disabled) where they can share stories and feel supported. You can also reach out to one of the programs listed below under EXTERNAL RESOURCES.
If you have a group feel free to share it with Seth’s Mom. Click here to contact us.
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NEXT STEPS…
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Share your story with the community. Click here to contact us about doing a SETH TALK.
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Plan your day with Seth’s Mom. Click here to visit our Events page.
External Resources
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
Sibling support group: Sibling Support Project
Sibling support group: Sibling Leadership Network
Autism Sibling Support Initiative
Administration for Community Living
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
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