Although there is no set rule of how siblings should be raised around a brother or sister with a disability, it is important parents encourage siblings to play an integral role in the lives of their sibling with the disability.

Disability

The nature of working with difference around a disability, means there are several common issues faced by a child with a disability, but their siblings can emotionally struggle too. It is not uncommon for that child's siblings to be at risk of developing stress and emotional issues, where they start to internalise issues that aren’t obvious or visible, in an attempt to hide how they feel about their sibling.

Disability and Family

Whilst the family focus needs to be on the child with the disability that can take away from the attention needed by his or her siblings. Where parents are going back and forth with hospital or physiotherapy appointments – that can also limit the amount of time they spend with their other children. In these cases, it’s easy for siblings to feel and be neglected. Families should have emotional support because without it, it’s easy for siblings to experience jealousy, resentment and anger.

Conclusion

It is important that parents ensure their children are inclusive. Non-disabled children should have as much of a normal life as possible, so that they engage in extracurricular activities and so they can be social with their peers.

Although a disability means us working with difference, it shouldn't makes us less inclusive or less important – our emotional needs with a disability do matter. The nature of a disability does make us different, but it is important we're not made to feel different. Families should remain together and united.