Sibling Support in San Antonio and Surrounding Areas

Navigate Life Texas works to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the content on this site. This blog has been updated since its first publication to reflect changes with other organizations, links to other sites and other information. The substance of the article and the writer’s story have not been altered.

Families are affected in many ways when they have a child with disabilities. Parents must learn new skills, deal with new stressors and solve new challenges. Siblings are impacted too. 

My daughter is six years younger than her brother, Ryan, but she grew up thinking it was her job to be a caregiver. She’d help feed him or try to change him. We never asked Katelyn to help. She just helped out of her own sense of duty and love. 

She was his greatest champion and his best friend.

When Katelyn was 7 years old, she joined a sibling support group, also called a sibshop. The children bonded through their common experiences as brothers and sisters of kids with disabilities. Katelyn cherished the twice-a-month meetings. She made friends, shared her experiences and learned she’s not alone. She remained a part of the group until a few months after Ryan passed away. 

To find a sibshop near you, visit the Sibling Support Project website.

Sibshops have resources you may find helpful: 

• Articles, books and films
• Future planning resources
• Online groups for siblings
• Support organizations
• Podcasts
• Research 
• Grief resources 
• Videos

Consider a sibling support program for the siblings of your child with a disability. Learn more about resources and support for siblings on this website.