How to Help a Sibling of a Special Needs Child

Written by: Amanda Elias, M.A.

Finding out you have a child who has special needs can be a difficult situation to handle. It is important to remember that it is not just about how the parents adjust to this situation, but how siblings cope with this aspect of their family life. Younger children may have difficulty expressing how they are feeling about this situation, so here are some common emotions felt by siblings of special needs children.

WHAT SIBLINGS OF SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN MAY FEEL:

• Embarrassment or resentment having to involve their siblings in social situations

• A desire to try to ease their parents' burden by not requesting or placing demands

• Worry that the disorder may be something they themselves can "catch"

• Feel alone or jealous about the amount of attention received by the special needs sibling

• Feeling of grief or anger about being disappointed that their sibling isn't like other kids

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP THESE SIBLINGS:

• Parents should help children to understand that it is okay to feel angry, jealous, or upset with the disordered sibling

• Set up time with each child individually that allows them a space for open communication to discuss their feelings

• Give your child other outlets to express their feelings, such as a journal or drawing pictures, to help communicate their feelings to their parents

• Encourage all of your children to find ways that they can all interact, no matter how minimal the activity may seem

• Explain to your child how to express to friends about their brother or sister's disability

• ENROLL YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN IN AN INCREDIBLE WEEKEND WORKSHOP WHERE YOU WILL ALL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO OPENLY DISCUSS YOUR FEELINGS AND HOW TO CREATE BALANCE IN YOUR FAMILY!
  
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