Having a child with special needs in the family is hard for everyone. Whilst parents may have to cope with anything from medical needs to behavioural difficulties, a healthy sibling might also face challenges ranging from lack of parental attention and time, to teasing or bullying at school.
To help them develop some coping strategies, meet others similarly affected, and also just have some much-needed fun, the charity Sibs – which helps people who grow up with a brother or sister with special needs – promotes the establishment of siblings groups around the country.
Caroline Swinburne went to Havering in Essex, to see a Sibs group and talk to participants.
