Resources
Find information that will help you help your child.
Sibling Ages 14-18
During the later teenage years, 14-18, the non-disabled siblings tend to be their most independent. Starting to plan their lives following high school and all the other life events that come along with being a teenager.
During these years, the parents may ask the non-disabled sibling(s) for periods of caregiving/babysitting. They may also ask their teenager(s) to take on more responsibility for their sibling’s care such as driving them to appointments, helping with more day-to-day care of their sibling, and they are usually an essential attendee on family vacations because of their added support.
THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT YOUR SIBLINGS (NON-DISABLED) DURING THESE YEARS:
Due to the experience of growing up with a disabled sibling, non-disabled sibs seem to exude more maturity. They may want to start asking more questions about the future. They tend to worry about leaving home after high school as they feel a responsibility to their special needs sibling. Communication about the future at this stage is key!
This is a great age for older siblings to mentor the younger siblings in a Sibshops group. No one can relate to siblings in their circumstances better than themselves. Consider talking to them about being a volunteer/mentor. Check out the resource link to find a Sibshop near you where they could volunteer.
Another resource for teenage siblings to find each other for support is the SibTeens group on Facebook listed in the resources. These siblings have unique circumstances and sometimes they need other sibs to lean on for support. This group is administered by The Sibling Support Project.
Check out the list of recommended books below that were written with the non-disabled siblings in mind. These books may help initiate conversation and support as children grow.
Resources
The Other Kid
Oh Brother!
Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs
