Raising a child with additional needs is a journey that shapes the whole family. Parents and carers are committed to ensuring their child gets the support and care they require.
While this is both necessary and deeply rewarding, it can sometimes present some challenges for siblings who grow up alongside them. These children may face unique pressures, and their emotions or behaviours can sometimes be missed amidst their brother or sister’s care needs.
It is important for families to understand what siblings might experience, how it can affect them, and how to nurture their wellbeing, too.
Children who have a brother or sister with additional needs often see the world quite differently from an early age. They may witness parents or carers attending frequent appointments, spending long hours supporting their sibling, or navigating the ups and downs of health and behavioural challenges.
For some, this can bring about feelings of pride and compassion; they can become highly empathetic, thoughtful individuals who care deeply for others. Yet for many, there can also be a quieter impact.
Siblings may sometimes feel overshadowed if they sense that their achievements or needs come second to the child with additional needs. They might not voice their feelings, but an undercurrent of jealousy, frustration, or loneliness can sometimes arise.
They may also worry more than their peers, feeling a sense of responsibility for their sibling’s wellbeing or even for their parents’ or carers’ stress. This complex mixture of emotions is normal, but it can show up in a multitude of different ways.
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