Forum: More can be done for siblings of those with special needs

As a sibling of a person with special needs, I was heartened by the letter highlighting the lifelong impact of being a “glass child” (

Glass children are still overlooked in adulthood

, Aug 13).

I co-founded a ground-up initiative called SibsUnite for siblings of persons with special needs, where we build community and support siblings in navigating the unique challenges of our journeys. We organise support group sessions, outings and sharing sessions, to help parents and the wider public better understand the sibling journey.

Not all of us identify with the “glass child” label, but we recognise its truth: Many siblings grow up feeling unseen, as their needs are overshadowed by caregiving demands.

We hope to support both siblings and parents so that this phenomenon can be mitigated, where siblings are seen as a whole, and our experiences validated.

We are encouraged that organisations such as Minds and Rainbow Centre have programmes supporting siblings too. Yet these remain limited in scope and continuity.

Much more is needed. Future planning must include siblings early on, not only when responsibility looms. Parents also need resources on raising both their child with special needs and their other children.

Counsellors and therapists should be equipped to recognise sibling dynamics as part of mental health care.

Special education schools and services should also consider the entire family system.

While community efforts can open important doors, systemic support is crucial. I hope SG Enable, government agencies, special education schools, and allied services will strengthen provisions for families, with siblings’ voices and needs included from the start.

When siblings are supported, the whole family is stronger. Seeing us not just as caregivers-in-waiting, but as individuals with our own stories, is key to building a truly inclusive care culture.

Shireen Yeo Shi Yun