Supporting Siblings

Siblings of those diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome have to experience many things that you would never wish your child to see: prolonged seizures, ambulance trips, hospital intervention and challenging behaviour, to name just a few. 

They also need to adapt to the day-to-day pressures of living with Dravet Syndrome: the fact that there are times when plans are cancelled, holidays are not possible, sleepovers just too intense and the simple fact that their mum and dad are stressed, worried and exhausted. They may also experience those feelings of isolation or guilt that often go alongside the pressures of living with a disabled sibling.

Despite all these difficulties, many families report how caring and loving siblings can be to their brothers and sisters. Having a sibling with special needs undoubtedly brings challenges, but there’s a positive side too. Living with a brother or sister with Dravet Syndrome helps to teach empathy, kindness and compassion. With the right knowledge and support, siblings cope and adapt, and often develop extraordinarily close bonds with the brothers and sisters.

Supporting super siblings

It is important to be aware of the potential impact that living with a brother or sister with Dravet Syndrome may have for siblings. Talk honestly to them, at a level appropriate for their age. Research shows that siblings cope best when they are told about what is happening and when they can share their feelings about it. Of course, it’s not always easy to start these conversations and you may find it easier to discuss issues with children by doing activities together. With younger children you could try making a scrapbook about your family that includes information about family life with Dravet Syndrome. You could read story books together about children who are disabled or have additional needs and their siblings.

A letter to give to teachers

Sometimes the ups and downs of living with a brother or sister who has Dravet Syndrome can impact school life. One of our families shared a letter for teachers setting out the different ways in which a sibling's daily life could be disrupted by Dravet, both at school and home. We thought it was a brilliant idea, and with much thanks to its original author, we're happy to share a template version of the letter here. 

Siblings' organisations

If you think your super sibling might be struggling, there are specialist sibling support groups that you may find helpful, such as the organisation Sibs, which provides useful information and support for children and adult siblings who have a brother or sister who is disabled, and for parents too.

These organisations provide services that can be hugely beneficial in helping siblings to understand their feelings, share fears or worries and know that they are not alone.

In addition, many local authorities run sibling groups, where they can get together with other children in a similar situation. Many hospices also run sibling activities or have play therapists who are able to help siblings organise their thoughts and feelings. If you feel this is something that would be beneficial, speak to your social worker or GP who will be able to refer you to young carers’ organisations.