Siblings at every age have a valid point of view to offer about their brother or sister with special needs. As an example, a young child’s response about fairness may come from the sense that her brother or sister with special needs can learn to do more for himself or herself than is being asked. A teen sibling might point out that clothes and a haircut in a different style have real-world value in social relationships. An adult sibling may be braver about replacing a sub-par service provider while reassuring his parents that there is something better out there for his sister.

What Can You Do with Siblings This Month?

1. Simply asking for and listening to your child’s ideas may open pathways for opportunities for your child with special needs that you haven’t considered before.
2. Take a look at The Sibling Leadership Network which recognizes the value of a sibling’s point of view and works to harness it while supporting them at the same time. https://siblingleadership.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/SLN-Sibling-Needs-Across-the-LifeCourse.pdf

The Power of Parents

Experienced parents appreciate that some observations and ideas offered by siblings are actually a form of advocacy for their brother or sister’s benefit.

ACES is Helping You Support the Longest Family Relationship!