39 | Sibling Bonds: Growing Up With A Sister With Down Syndrome

Join me as I have a wonderfully candid discussion with my own son, Casey's big brother, Dan!

Looking back, the impact of my daughter's diagnosis on my son was one of the very first fears I realized after her birth. I worried that she would hold him back, that I would not have the time or energy to focus on both her extra needs and his, and that he would get resentful of his sister over time.

Twenty years later, I realize I should never have had those fears.

Join us for a conversation that moves beyond the typical narrative of having a sibling with special needs. Dan and I sat down over Christmas break for a discussion that confronted the weighty concerns of ensuring the long-term well-being of our loved ones with special needs, and the balance one must strike between self-care and future planning. We delved into the intricacies of shifting family roles, the progression in confronting ableist language, and how advocating for Casey has honed Dan's communication and conflict resolution skills. Our dialogue is an invitation to all listeners to gain an appreciation for the unexpected joys and profound insights that come with having a family member with Down syndrome.

Dan is currently 22 and a senior in college far away from us at UCLA studying Data Science. We miss him a lot when he is not here but know that he is thriving and learning a lot so far away.

How to connect with Dan:

Instagram: @danobr01

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