Page 48 - SEN115 - November/December 2021

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different perspectives, and that this ability coincided with the demonstration of loving and happy feelings towards the autistic sibling. These findings illustrate the central importance of empathy in sibling relationships that include individuals with disabilities.
My own experiences, as the sibling of a child with SEN, support the findings. Empathy and understanding towards others with special educational needs has been a prime influence on my career, which began in Special Education at the age of 17. They have also contributed to a rock-solid relationship with my sister that is free of conflict, rivalry and other conventionally negative aspects. Zaidman-Zalt, Yechezkiely & Regev (2020) state that having a family member with a disability makes typically developing children more attentive to the needs of others, and it is widely accepted that growing up with a disabled sibling can have both positive and negative impacts on ‘neurotypical’ children (McHugh, 2003).
Risk factors
Siblings of children with SEN can also experience a range of stresses and feelings that present potentially damaging emotional and behavioural challenges. The risk from these may be increased by the added responsibilities of helping with the sibling’s care or taking on extra work around the house (Milevsky, 2016). Parents of SEN children may also spend most of their time with their needy child. This will often reflect the SEN child’s care needs, but it can look like preferential treatment to neuro-typical siblings, and provoke an array of negative feelings, including anger, jealousy and resentment (Giallo et al, 2012). On a personal note, and with hindsight, I was a somewhat disengaged school student, which had negative effects on my progress and performance, but I do not believe my attitudes were significantly influenced by my sister’s ‘disability’.
“Potentially damaging emotional and behavioural challenges”
Conclusion
Research suggests, the needs of siblings are often overlooked by both parents and professionals (Batchelor, 2019). Although people may agree that more support is necessary for siblings, the lack of support is evident. As this disconnect presents itself, siblings can become more responsible for the planning and decision-making. Having a sibling with special educational needs can impact an individual’s upbringing affecting their life.
Further research can identify these needs, increasing support while growing up. Creating awareness in schools, so individuals can have someone to talk to besides their peers. Talking therapies should be more accessible for these children alongside the parent and children with special educational needs. There are some brilliant charities dedicated to supporting the needs of siblings, but there are not many.
Government policies need to outline these challenges and set out a framework of support offered to these families with a child with special educational needs. My sister is important to me and has changed my life, being one of the reasons why, where, and who I am today.
Nevertheless, receiving more support in my younger life would have changed both of our lives.
■ Siblings playing. SEN115
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