The Emotional Impact of Disability on Siblings

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Having a sibling with a disability is an emotional journey. Despite unique experiences, individuals with disabilities teach their siblings valuable lessons.

Covey

Growing up, siblings play crucial roles in each others’ lives. Amidst the good times and hard times, siblings are essentially built-in best friends. Having a brother or sister is a lifelong journey.

That journey becomes a bit more intense when your sibling has a disability. There are unique hurdles that come with living in a household with an individual with disabilities. This experience is more common than most people think. Among the 6 million people in the United States that have disabilities, most of them have at least one sibling. Let us explore the emotional impact, both positive and negative, of disability on siblings. 

4 Common Struggles for Siblings of Individuals with Disabilities

1. Anxiety

When a child shares a household with an individual who may exhibit frequent behavioral challenges,  it can be disruptive to their sense of peace or security. These siblings are likely to experience nervousness or anxiety in response to the stress that occurs in their homes. 

2. Resentment

It’s natural for children to feel frustrated when their sibling gets more attention than them. When a child with special needs becomes the center of the parent’s attention, their sibling may develop feelings of resentment. 

3. Isolation

Without a proper support system, siblings of individuals with disabilities can feel very alone. They may even feel isolated from their peers or neglected by their parents. 

4. Pressure

Some siblings feel pressured to achieve in academics or sports to gain attention from their parents. They also may feel pressured to act like ‘assistant parents’ and be a constant support system for their siblings. 

5 Benefits of Having a Sibling with a Disability 

1. Compassion

Growing up beside a brother or sister with a disability allows one to learn patience and understanding from a very young age. The compassion they hold for their sibling carries into their day-to-day life. 

2. Independence

Often, when a child gets less attention, help, or resources from their parents due to their sibling having a disability, they learn to be more responsible on their own. Children who don’t rely on their parents learn to trust their strengths, intuition, and resilience. 

3. Leadership

A sibling of a child with a disability often takes on more responsibilities than their peers. When attempting to be a good role model for their sibling, there tend to be a lot of opportunities to exercise leadership skills—an extremely valuable asset in life.

4. Maturity 

Siblings serve as advocates for their brother or sister. Many members of society have preconceived notions of people with disabilities, and their siblings can be the voice that stands up for them. Advocating for and protecting the misunderstood takes a lot of maturities. 

5. Patience

Living with siblings takes a lot of patience for everyone. When your sibling has a disability, it can be even more difficult to navigate proper communication skills when challenges arise. Kids who grow up with a sibling with a disability learn patience is a virtue. 

The Emotional Impact

Having a sibling with a disability is truly a lifelong emotional journey. Like every family relationship, there are many ups and downs. But at the end of the day, these unique struggles are what teach siblings valuable life lessons. Harriet Redman, the founder of WisconSibs, states, “99% of the siblings of individuals with disabilities I talk to would say that they wouldn’t be the person they are without their sibling.” 

With that being said, siblings who do not have disabilities also need support. To cope with common struggles such as anxiety or resentment, connecting with other siblings who share the same concerns can be very beneficial. Support groups allow them to relate to one another, confide in each other, and grow with confidence in themselves to set a positive example for their sibling. 

Most importantly, family members must all participate in open communication. Families with members who have disabilities experience great obstacles, extensive planning, and no shortage of stress on an everyday basis. There’s nothing more valuable than having the entire family on the same page. When times are tough, communication is key!

About the Author

Located in the Greater Fox Valley of Wisconsin, Covey is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating opportunities that foster personal growth for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through respite care, customized skill-building, and community engagement programs, Covey is a special place where participants, their families, and the community learn to uplift and empower one another. Visit covey.org to learn more.