Kids Who Have Siblings With Special Needs

A few months ago I was interviewed for an article focusing on children who have a sibling with special needs. The article is about understanding the challenges and triumphs of having a sibling with special needs.

Lucas is still a bit young to fully understand Kayla's diagnosis and what that means for her and her future, but he is aware of the subtle differences and areas that are harder for her (coloring, speech). I hope that we are instilling in him the values of respect for all people regardless of their abilities. I hope that he won't think twice about having a classmate with special needs. I hope that he grows up with acceptance and realizing that people who have disabilities are a normal part of society and have as much value and worth as anyone else.

The article 9 Strategies for Nurturing Special Siblings offers some great tips and insight from parents who are raising children with and without special needs, and the relationship between the siblings.

Thanks, Julie Rosenberg, for including our family's perspective on this topic!