This page has been informed by the research and advocacy work of Siblings Australia.

Helping children build a positive self-image and strong sense of who they are will help them feel belonging and valued. This can help them to be more resilient and build the skills they need to look after their wellbeing.

For many children, a part of growing up and going through puberty is that identity, social groups, and connections to friends become increasingly important. As the connections in young people’s lives evolve, their family connections can also go through a time of change. As young people approach adulthood, they may start thinking about how to balance their needs with family needs, moving out, romantic relationships, etc. Times of change can be exciting and challenging, and children with a sibling with intellectual disability and/or autism can face extra challenges due to the realities of family life where a sibling has specific support needs.

You can support your child in developing a positive self-image and feeling confident in their role as a sibling and in all parts of their identity.