Siblings of children with special needs

Most of us grow up with at least one brother or sister and most young people help in their families as they are growing up. However many young people have to provide help because a brother or sister has an illness or disability. This can range from helping with chores or helping to care directly for their sibling by spending time sitting with them or helping with their daily routines. These people are described as young carers and it is increasingly realized that they need recognition and support like any other carer.

Everybody's family circumstances are different but the Carers National Association describes a young carer as "anyone under the age of 18 whose life is in some way restricted because of the need to take responsibility for the care of a person who is ill or has a disability."  These restrictions may include, among many others, having their schooling affected, not being able to do day to day activities and being deprived of opportunities to see their friends.

A more recent innovation in supporting young carers is the setting up of Sibling Support Groups. These groups give siblings the opportunity to get together with other young people who have similar family circumstances, such as a brother or sister with a learning disability or special need. The groups can provide support, advice, information and a chance to share experiences and realize they are not alone with a disabled brother or sister and also to take part in various activities. These groups are usually run locally and a good starting point to find any groups in your area is Social Services.
Or you can visit the Young Carers Initiative website where there is a Young Carers Project search tool. Using a town or postcode a young carer, professional or parent can search for the nearest 5 projects to them and receive the address and contact details of each. Here is the link: www.yci.org.uk/youngcarers/projects/

For books and resources written especially for siblings of children with special needs and disabilities click here

Genetics? What's it got to do with me?
A resource pack for the brothers, sisters and parents of people with a genetic disorder
A free individual copy is available from Genetic Interest Group, Unit 4D Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London N1 3QP. Tel. (020) 7704 3141.

Below you will find some useful National websites for siblings that can offer support, advice and information and give opportunities for siblings to make contact with each other.