Two siblings, one with a disability, reaching for each other's hands, symbolizing connection and support.

Navigating Siblinghood When Disability Enters the Equation: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Reese Marlowe in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the unique challenges and rewards of sibling relationships when one child has a disability, and discover strategies for fostering healthy family dynamics."

The bond between siblings is one of the most enduring relationships we experience. It shapes our identity, teaches us about cooperation and conflict, and provides a lifelong source of support. However, when a child has a disability, the dynamics of sibling relationships can become uniquely complex. While the love and connection remain, additional layers of responsibility, emotional challenges, and societal perceptions come into play.

For typically developing siblings, growing up alongside a brother or sister with a disability can be a profound experience. They may develop exceptional empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of human diversity. They might also face feelings of guilt, resentment, or isolation, as well as increased caregiving responsibilities.

This article delves into the multifaceted world of siblinghood and disability. We'll explore the common experiences of siblings, address potential challenges, and offer practical strategies for parents and professionals to foster healthy, supportive relationships within the family. By understanding these dynamics, we can empower all children to thrive.

Understanding the Impact: How Disability Reshapes Sibling Dynamics

Two siblings, one with a disability, reaching for each other's hands, symbolizing connection and support.

The arrival of a disability in a family inevitably shifts its landscape. Attention may become disproportionately focused on the child with special needs, impacting the time, energy, and resources available for other children. This can lead to a range of emotional and behavioral responses in siblings, influenced by factors such as age, personality, the nature of the disability, and the overall family environment.

Several key themes often emerge in the lives of siblings of children with disabilities:

Increased Responsibility: Siblings may take on caregiving tasks, household chores, or emotional support roles beyond their years. While this can foster maturity and responsibility, it's crucial to ensure they don't become overburdened.
Emotional Complexity: Siblings may experience a mix of emotions, including love, pride, empathy, guilt, resentment, anxiety, and sadness. These feelings are normal, but they need to be acknowledged and addressed in a supportive environment.
Social Challenges: Siblings may face social challenges related to their brother or sister's disability, such as dealing with stares, questions, or insensitive comments from peers. They may also feel a need to protect their sibling or explain their disability to others.
Identity Formation: Growing up with a sibling with a disability can shape a child's sense of self. They may develop a strong sense of compassion, social justice, or a desire to work in helping professions.
Need for Attention: Sometimes siblings may feel that they are not getting enough attention. Parents need to be aware and try to give the other children as much attention as possible.

It's important to remember that every child's experience is unique. Some siblings may thrive in their role as a caregiver or advocate, while others may struggle with the emotional and practical demands. Open communication, empathy, and professional support can help families navigate these complexities and foster positive sibling relationships.

Moving Forward: Creating a Supportive Environment

Fostering positive sibling relationships in families with disabilities requires a conscious and ongoing effort. By understanding the unique challenges and rewards of these relationships, and by implementing proactive strategies, parents and professionals can create a supportive environment where all children can thrive. Remember, open communication, empathy, and access to resources are key to navigating the complexities and celebrating the strengths of these special family bonds.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3917/spi.081.0070, Alternate LINK

Title: La Fratrie Face Au Handicap

Subject: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Journal: Spirale

Publisher: CAIRN

Authors: Clémence Dayan, Régine Scelles

Published: 2017-04-19

Everything You Need To Know

What are some of the common emotions that siblings of children with disabilities might experience?

Siblings of children with disabilities often experience a wide range of emotions. These can include love, pride, and empathy towards their sibling. However, they may also feel guilt, resentment, anxiety, and sadness. It's important to recognize that these complex emotions are normal and should be acknowledged and addressed in a supportive environment to promote healthy emotional development.

How does having a sibling with a disability impact a child's identity formation?

Growing up with a sibling who has a disability can significantly shape a child's sense of self and their Identity Formation. They may develop a strong sense of compassion, social justice, and a desire to work in helping professions. This unique upbringing often fosters a deep understanding of human diversity and can lead to a more inclusive worldview.

What is the role of Increased Responsibility in siblings when one child has a disability, and how can parents manage this dynamic?

Siblings may take on Increased Responsibility, such as caregiving tasks, household chores, or emotional support roles. While this can foster maturity, it's crucial to ensure they don't become overburdened. Parents should be mindful of balancing responsibilities and ensuring that the sibling also has time for their own activities, interests, and social life. Open communication and clear boundaries are essential in managing this dynamic effectively.

What are some Social Challenges that siblings of children with disabilities might face, and how can parents and professionals help them navigate these challenges?

Siblings may face Social Challenges such as dealing with stares, questions, or insensitive comments from peers. They may also feel a need to protect their sibling or explain their disability to others. Parents and professionals can help by providing siblings with information and resources to understand their sibling's disability, by encouraging open communication about their feelings, and by creating opportunities for them to connect with other siblings of children with disabilities. Additionally, parents can advocate for inclusive environments in schools and communities to promote understanding and acceptance.

In what ways can parents create a supportive environment to foster positive sibling relationships when one child has a disability, addressing Emotional Complexity and potential feelings of resentment or isolation?

To create a supportive environment, parents should prioritize open communication and empathy. Acknowledge and validate the sibling's feelings, whether positive or negative, without judgment. Ensure that each child receives individual attention and that the typically developing child's needs and interests are also nurtured. Consider involving the sibling in age-appropriate caregiving tasks to foster a sense of contribution, but avoid overburdening them. Additionally, seek professional support if needed, such as family therapy or support groups, to address Emotional Complexity and navigate potential feelings of resentment or isolation. Creating dedicated one-on-one time with each child can also strengthen their individual bond with the parents.