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guest writers, Sibling

Why Epilepsy Awareness Matters in Autism Discussions

Denby Williams Looking at the prevalence rate of epilepsy among autistic individuals, approximately 25-30% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. This is compared to the much lower prevalence rate of 1% among the general U.S. population. Much of the development occurs during puberty due to evolving hormonal shifts… Continue reading Why Epilepsy Awareness Matters in Autism Discussions

Sibling

Meet Shawn: The Young Sib Who Made a Documentary โ€” And Why It Matters

Sometimes I stop and think about why I believe so deeply in Sibshops. And then something lands in my inbox that reminds me all over again. A mom recently shared a video with me โ€” made by her son, Shawn Torres-Viteri, a junior student who created a documentary for National History Day titled "The Amy… Continue reading Meet Shawn: The Young Sib Who Made a Documentary โ€” And Why It Matters

Picture of the Big Buddha, Bangkok Thailand
Sibling

Accepting Help

Traveling alone in Thailand, I noticed something uncomfortable. The guides carried things.They navigated.They made sure I crossed busy streets safely.Hotel staff walked me out at night.They checked transportation.They made sure I arrived back safely. And my first instinct? โ€œIโ€™ve got it.โ€ Not because I didnโ€™t appreciate them.But because receiving help feltโ€ฆ foreign. As siblings โ€”… Continue reading Accepting Help

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Sibling

Starting the Sibling Conversation: Because Silence Isnโ€™t Neutral

Sibling relationships are complicatedโ€”even more so when disability, chronic illness, or mental health is part of the family story. Many adult siblings grow up learning how to โ€œbe fine,โ€ stay quiet, or take on roles without ever being asked how theyโ€™re actually doing. The problem? Silence doesnโ€™t mean everything is okay.It usually means the conversation… Continue reading Starting the Sibling Conversation: Because Silence Isnโ€™t Neutral

Sibling

Understanding Sibshops: Empowering Siblings of Children with Disabilities

If youโ€™re raising a child with a disability or complex medical needs, you already know the impact it has on the whole family. What often gets less attentionโ€”through no oneโ€™s faultโ€”is the experience of the siblings. They love fiercely, adapt constantly, and learn to be flexible in ways most adults never have to. And yet,… Continue reading Understanding Sibshops: Empowering Siblings of Children with Disabilities