The Special Needs Sibling Podcast

Frances is an occupational therapist, a writer and a sib living in Nottingham, UK.  She works for Sibs (the only UK charity specifically dedicated to supporting siblings of disabled children and adults) and has grown up with a brother who has an intellectual disability.  Sibhood blog:  www.francesdanylec.com/sibhood Instagram:  @OT_Frances LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesdanylec/   U...

Find us on Instagram: Follow the podcast: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedssiblingpodcast/⁠ Want to contact Charlene? Fill out this form: ⁠https://www.thespecialneedssiblingpodcast.com/contact⁠ Your financial support will help keep episodes releasing every other week! Without your support, episodes will be released once a month instead. Donate today at the following links: ⁠https://ko-fi....

In this episode we talk about: A family's pivot for a sibling A sibling's unique living arrangement The rescue story Viewing the world through new eyes Art, voice, and a brother's recovery Long-distance sibling communication A partner's bond with a sibling Creative communication strategies Sibling responsibility and joy *List created using Spotify AI tools Check out Manni's boo...

In this episode we talk about: Outdated labels for a disabled sibling A difficult decision for a disabled child Generational shifts in sibling experiences The hidden pain of secondhand suffering Grief as a catalyst for writing The lifelong journey of a sibling Sibling love, anger, and advocacy Finding purpose from pain *List created using Spotify AI tools Connect with Camille: IG:  @camilleblock.a...

In this episode we talk about: Sibling impact on personal growth Planning adult care for siblings Sibling care and external views Sibling trauma and healing Authenticity and judgement Patience and releasing timelines Unconditional love's power Growth from sibling challenges *List created using Spotify AI tools Connect with Julia: Julia's blog with Michael:  www.beyondthewavesblog.com   Jul...

In this episode we talk about: Intensified emotions for siblings Societal judgement of disability Evolving disability awareness Grief and a life-changing move A simple question, profound grief Sibling's unique emotional journey Validating sibling emotions Self-care for siblings *List created using Spotify AI tools Connect with Aimen: https://www.instagram.com/unfiltered_aim/ Find us on Instagr...

In this episode we talk about: Sibling's hidden history of advocacy Abelism's impact on sibling's desires Finding joy through shared experiences The enduring power of sibling bonds Finding joy in sibling caregiving The power of being present Unspoken understanding in relationships *List created using Spotify AI tools Find us on Instagram: Follow the podcast at @ thespecialneedssiblingp...

In this episode, Charlene and Heather discuss Heather’s work as a psychotherapist, her journey to becoming an advocate, and what it’s like to navigate loneliness and finding community as a sib. Contact Heather:  If you are interested in exploring your journey as a sib along with the rest of your beautiful life, you can reach out to Heather directly at heather@sourcingjoyllc.com to learn more. Foll...

In this episode, Charlene and Gaby discuss a positive versus negative outlook on being a sib, embracing awkward moments, and the importance of community support. Episode highlights: Dealing with embarrassment in awkward situations The parentification of sibs, especially of sisters Supporting someone who has a mental illness and a disability Find us on Instagram: Follow the podcast at ⁠@thespecialn...

This episode is dedicated to Christopher North Sr. (Josh's stepdad and Akeem's biological dad), who passed away earlier this year. We send our love and support to Josh and his family. In this episode, Charlene and Josh discuss family dynamics, providing a sense of normalcy for your sibling, and what it's like to move away from family. Episode highlights: The patience sibs develop can b...

In this episode, Charlene and Abbey cover an array of topics, including navigating friendships as a sib and responding to people’s perceptions of your family. Episode highlights: Building authentic friendships Leaving unwelcoming communities Responding to people’s reactions to your family in public spaces Prioritizing quality time with parents Find us on Instagram: Follow the podcast at @thespecia...

In this episode, Charlene and Alicia reflect on lessons they have learned as sibs. Alicia shares her journey as a sib caregiver, and provides advice for others following in her footsteps. Episode highlights: The importance of choice as a sib caregiver Experiencing financial struggles as a caregiver Building your own life during and after being a caregiver Holding onto your dreams and goals as a si...

In this episode, Charlene and Nikki discuss the "parentification" of sibs, living life in survival mode, and learning to accept your identity as a sib. Nikki also shares about her experience on the board for the Sibling Leadership Network , as well as her work with the California and Oregon chapters of SLN. Episode highlights: The value of being in a sib network The need for mental healt...

In this episode, Charlene and Suyapa discuss how the sib experience bleeds into all aspects of your life. From people-pleasing to caretaking to a high tolerance for chaos, Charlene and Suyapa share how their childhoods shaped who they are as adults. Episode highlights: Being the oldest child in an immigrant family How people pleasing and caretaking can affect your work life Having a high tolerance...

In this episode, Charlene and Gina DeMillo Wagner discuss the painful complexities of sacrificing yourself for your family, grieving the loss of a complicated relationship, and learning to speak up for yourself. Gina is an award-winning author and journalist. Her book, Forces of Nature , is available at Amazon , Bookshop.org , or anywhere books are sold.  The New York Times essay about siblings me...

In this episode, Kelsey and Charlene discuss the healing process, experiences with therapy, and self-compassion. Kelsey shares about watching her sister deal with seizures, witnessing substance abuse as a child, and her decision to become a therapist. Episode highlights: Childhood trauma and neglect The impact of the book, Being The Other One: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister Who Has Special Ne...

In this episode, Sunita and Charlene discuss the importance of building community and staying connected with other sibs. Sunita shares a glimpse into her journey of being a sib, raising her own kids, and finding others to lean on in the process. Episode highlights: Feeling isolated as a sib Growing up too quickly and being a “sister mom” to your sibling(s) Processing your emotions and taking care...

In this episode, Megan and Charlene discuss what it’s like to grieve an estranged sibling. Megan candidly shares about her older brother’s life changing diagnosis, the heartbreak that can come with supporting a loved one with a mental illness, and life as a parent.  Episode highlights: Living with mental illness Navigating change as a family Processing grief Going to therapy How birth order affect...

In this episode, Julie and Charlene discuss advocating as a sib, growing up in a multicultural family, and the journey of raising your own children. Julie’s story as a sib led her to start her own nonprofit, The Natalie Project, and engage in advocacy efforts in California on behalf of people with special needs.  Episode highlights: Growing up in a multicultural family Raising children The "p...

In this episode, Sister* and Charlene discuss how an unhealthy parent impacted Sister’s relationship with her autistic brother. Sister tells her story of childhood trauma and what it’s like to navigate strained family relationships as an adult.  *Name omitted for privacy Episode highlights: Growing up in Singapore The weight of being responsible for your sib Mental health (TW: suicide) Having an e...

Coming August 17th, 2024:   Hope for Secondhand Suffering™: Tools for the Heart When You Can’t Fix Your Loved One’s Pain Pre-order now , wherever books are sold For more content, follow Camille @camilleblock.author on Facebook and/or Instagram or check out her website:   www.camilleblock.cc Check out Camille's full interview in Episode 50 coming Jan 24, 2026!

In this episode, Anna and Charlene talk about the unique experience of having a special needs sibling in a military family. Anna’s older sister has Rett syndrome, a rare neurological condition. Episode highlights: Resources for special needs siblings in the military Exciting new drug trial that has made positive changes in her sister’s life Find us on Instagram: Follow Anna at @special_sibs Follow...

In this episode, Amanda and Charlene talk about her brother, Nick, and his life with a rare disability. Amanda’s experience as a sibling inspired her to start her own nonprofit, Puzzle Pieces, which she uses to advocate for and assist over 400 families with special needs kids. Episode highlights: Experiencing embarrassment as a sib Maintaining your mental health Identity as a sib Guardianship and...

Yet another update episode is here.  I promise full episodes are coming, because trust me, it’s eating up my Google Drive storage space as we speak! Take a listen to some of the behind the scenes of The Special Needs Sibling Podcast and please consider financially supporting the podcast! Your financial support will help keep episodes releasing every other week! Without your support, episodes will...

Hey folks! We're running behind schedule with releasing new episodes, but do not fear, I've already recorded with lots of fellow sibs. We just need some more time to edit. But hey, that's real life for you! Being a sib is pretty hard, so take this time to relax, catch up on your favorite episodes or even listen to new ones you haven't had the time for yet! Thanks for your support!...