When someone in a family has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the whole family is affected. Brothers and sisters often have experiences that people do not talk about enough. They may help care for their sibling, worry about them, or feel like they do not get as much attention from their parents. Even though siblings play an important role, there is not much research about their experiences.
Living with a sibling who has FASD can bring both challenges and rewards. Some siblings may experience stress, anxiety, or difficult behaviours at home, including aggression. Others may feel they have to grow up too quickly by taking on caregiving responsibilities. Families need support to help everyone feel safe, healthy, and cared for.
Even with these challenges, many siblings develop important strengths. They often become kind, patient, and understanding. They may learn how to solve problems, communicate well, and support others. Many siblings also become strong advocates who speak up for their brother or sister and for people with FASD.
As siblings grow older, they may continue to help care for their brother or sister. Some worry about what will happen when their parents are no longer able to provide care. Families may also face financial challenges because of the extra services and supports a person with FASD may need. In some families, siblings may even be separated through foster care or child welfare, which can be very difficult.
Siblings are an important part of every family, and their voices matter. More research is needed to better understand their experiences and what supports they need. When schools, service providers, and governments include siblings in their planning, the whole family benefits. Supporting siblings helps create stronger families and better outcomes for people with FASD.
Based on the CanFASD article by Madeline Mantler, MSc (in progress) a,b; Maggie Cumming, BSc (in progress) a,c; Celisse Bibr, PhDa, Hannah Denberg, MSca,d aCanada FASD Research Network, bBrock University, cUniversity of Guelph, dUniversity of Galway
The experience of siblings of individuals with FASD – CanFASD