THE NEEDS OF SIBLINGS

JENNIFER was 10 when her two-year old brother was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor: “I felt like I disappeared during that time and for a long time after. My family was so focused on him and his illness that there was no time left for me…”

When a child is diagnosed with a serious or debilitating illness, the family’s entire world is turned upside down. Time is filled up with doctor and clinic visits, tests and more tests, treatments and more treatments.

The patient isn’t the only one effected: the siblings pay the price as well. The childhood they once knew changes dramatically as their parents’ time is now divided strenuously between caring for the sick or disabled child, as well as work and home. Often, the siblings are left to wonder, “But…what about me?!”

Many deal with a wide range of confusing emotions such as resentment, fear, guilt, embarrassment and sorrow. Some withdraw in order to distance themselves from the situation. Others become disruptive or aggressive in an attempt to gain control or cope. For many, the effects can last a lifetime. Art with Heart’s newest book that was designed to meet these diverse issues head on.

STATISTICS

A survey by the Health Resources and Services Administration (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), found 10.2 million U.S. children in the have special healthcare needs, or 14 percent of all U.S. children. More than one-fifth of U.S. households with children have at least one child with special needs. Children with special healthcare needs are defined as having or being at risk for “chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions that have lasted or are expected to last at least 12 months.” The survey also found that families are struggling with the demands of caring for a special needs child with 12 percent of families requiring mental healthcare or counseling related to the child’s medical, behavioral or other health conditions. The survey screened 364,841 children for special healthcare needs and completed 40,840 interviews with families of children for special healthcare needs.