Siblings of Brain Injured Child – Case Study
Sibling of Brain Injured Individuals – Challenges and Support – Case Study
Siblings of children with brain injuries often face unique and complex challenges. While a lot of parents’, and caregivers’ attention is (rightfully) focused on the child with the injury, the experience of their siblings can sometimes go unnoticed. This case study explores these dynamics, highlighting lived the experiences of Louis, who’s 7 years old, and Deej, a 12-year-old,—two siblings of children with additional needs—to help emphasise their struggles and highlight practical ways to offer support.
For Louis, whose brother has cerebral palsy, and Deej, whose sister has a brain injury, life brings moments of joy but also difficulty.
Emotional and Social Challenges
Anxiety, Depression, and Isolation
For siblings of children with brain injuries, emotions can run very high and feel conflicting. On one hand, they love and care for their sibling, but on the other, they may experience feelings of frustration, loneliness, or even guilt. These emotions can leave siblings feeling isolated, unsure of how to express themselves, or hesitant to potentially burden their parents with any added emotional load. By understanding the challenges that siblings of brain injured, families can take steps to offer meaningful support and reassurance.
Louis shares, “I don’t tell my parents everything I’m worried about. They have enough to deal with”. This feeling of needing to bottle up emotions is common among siblings of children with additional needs. They may feel pressure to stay strong or avoid “adding to the problem”.
Deej, whose younger sister has frequent outbursts and meltdowns, admits, “I love her, but sometimes it’s hard being around her. I don’t think I should feel like that” For Deej, moments of guilt over these feelings add to her emotional burden.
Resentment, Jealousy, and Pressure to Be Perfect
It’s natural for siblings to sometimes feel overlooked. Louis admits that, at times, he feels envious of the attention his brother receives, even though he understands why. He shares, “I like it when Mum and Dad come to my rugby games, but sometimes I just want more of that time with them”.
Parents may also unintentionally place high expectations on siblings. For example, asking them to always “set a good example” or “be understanding” can lead to feelings of pressure.
Practical Challenges Loss of Childhood and Role Reversal
Siblings of children with brain injuries often shoulder responsibilities that go beyond what most children their age experience. From helping out during meltdowns to adapting their lives around therapy schedules, their sense of “normal childhood” can feel disrupted. These added responsibilities can sometimes lead to feelings of frustration or even a loss of identity.
Loss of Childhood
Deej’s mother reflects, “Siblings often miss out on so much because their brother or sister may not cope with the noise or busyness of certain activities”. Family holidays, birthday parties, or simple outings can sometimes be skipped or altered to accommodate the needs of the sibling with a brain injury.
Louis echoes this sentiment, sharing, “There are times I can’t have friends over because it might upset my brother”. These missed opportunities can make siblings feel as though their childhood is slipping away.
What can help
Respite care gives siblings a chance to participate in activities without limitations. Families can plan inclusive outings where all members feel involved or balance these with individual time for each child. Role Reversal
In some cases, siblings may take on a “helper” role in the family, stepping in to calm a sibling during an outburst or taking care of smaller tasks at home.
Deej describes this as “being in the firing line” during meltdowns or outbursts. “I’m expected to stay calm even if I get hit or kicked”, he says. These moments can leave siblings feeling like they are constantly navigating between being a child themselves and acting like an adults.
Solutions for Families
While the challenges faced by siblings of children with brain injuries are significant, there are practical steps families can take to support them. These strategies focus on fostering understanding, maintaining balance, and ensuring siblings feel valued and included.
Open Communication
Creating a safe, judgment-free space for siblings to express their thoughts is one of the most powerful tools a family can offer. Siblings often hesitate to share their emotions, fearing it will add to their parents’ stress.
Deej’s mother emphasises the importance of this, saying, “Just because they aren’t the parent or primary caregiver doesn’t mean they don’t struggle. It’s important to let them share what they’re feeling without guilt”.
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One-on-One Quality Time
Spending intentional time with siblings—without the focus being on their brother or sister—is essential for reinforcing their sense of importance. Louis shares how much he enjoys “movie nights, hikes, or just going to McDonald’s” with his parents.
These small moments, though simple, can have a big impact on strengthening bonds and helping siblings feel seen and appreciated.
Celebrating Achievements
Siblings can sometimes feel overshadowed by the needs of their brother or sister. Celebrating their achievements—big or small—helps affirm their value within the family.
Whether it’s recognising good grades in school, effort in extracurriculars, or even their patience and understanding, making these moments special can uplift siblings.
How the Brain Injury Group Can Help You
The Brain Injury Group (BIG) plays an essential role in supporting families of children with brain injuries, including siblings who often face unique challenges. Through a range of resources, services, and events, BIG helps ensure that siblings feel supported, valued, and included.
Emotional Support
Siblings, like Louis and Deej, often experience a mix of emotions – frustration, guilt, anxiety, and isolation. Our support team as well as our in-house directory of industry specialists at the Brain Injury Group offer tailored emotional support to siblings and their families. These include access to counselling, therapy, and lived experience advisors who understand the pressures siblings face.
Deej’s mother highlights this as essential, saying, “Having someone outside the family to talk to—who gets it—makes all the difference”. Families can access more information about BIG’s emotional support services here.
Education and Employment Resources
For siblings, balancing school or preparing for future careers can feel overwhelming, especially when much of the family’s attention is focused on caregiving. We can provide resources to help siblings and families navigate education and employment challenges.
BIG’s education and employment services offer guidance on managing school schedules, pursuing career goals, and understanding educational rights. These tools empower siblings to prioritise their futures while navigating their family’s unique dynamics.
Brain Injury Group’s Bespoke Directory
One of the Brain Injury Group’s most impactful contributions is our professional services directory, which lists industry experts in a multitude of brain injury support services. These experts can provide you with the proper support and care from emotional and psychological support to financial and legal assistance, our bespoke directory
Louis highlights how much he appreciates shared experiences, saying, “I like it when we can all do something fun together, like go to the park or out for a meal”. BIG’s events help ensure these moments happen more often.
Conclusion
Siblings of children with brain injuries face unique challenges—such as feelings of isolation, role reversals, and the loss of typical childhood experiences—there are ways families and organisations can step in to provide meaningful support.
Deej’s mother reminds us of an essential truth: “Siblings are impacted in ways we don’t always see, but their struggles are just as valid. With the right support, they can grow into compassionate, resilient individuals”.
Families don’t have to navigate these challenges alone – Our Team at the Brain Injury Group are here to help you.
