The Benefits of Having Siblings with Learning Disabilities

Growing up with siblings who have learning disabilities can give children a unique perspective that they would not otherwise have been exposed to. There are many benefits to growing up in such a family.

The Benefits of Growing Up with Siblings Who Have Learning Disabilities: Learning to Share

In families where there are no children born with learning disabilities, siblings will gradually learn to share their toys, perhaps even their bedroom, as well as their parents' attention. This is also true in families where there is at least one child with learning disabilities, but there will be a greater emphasis on sharing. One thing that such children will often have to face is the fact that they will not receive as much of their parents' attention. The attention will focus much more on the needs of their sibling(s). This can be seen in two ways.

Too little attention paid to some siblings can foster feelings of jealousy and resentment. But it can also help some siblings to learn early on that they do not have a monopoly on their parents' time and attention. In the long run it can help them be less selfish and realise that others have needs that are important and need to be met too.

The Benefits of Growing Up with Siblings Who Have Learning Disabilities: More Empathy for the Less Fortunate

All siblings have squabbles and fights as they grow up and that is no different in households where there are one or more children with learning disabilities to care for. Even if all of the siblings do not get along in their early years, they usually resolve their differences and come to an understanding as they grow older. The children who do not have any learning disabilities often grow up to be much more empathetic to people who have been in the same situation as them and for others in society who have learning disabilities. Their unique insight will help them show genuine fellow feeling for others who are less fortunate than themselves and they are less likely to stand in judgement on people they see in public if they have a tantrum or exhibit other forms of challenging behaviour.