Support for siblings
When a child undergoes hemispherectomy, the impact is felt across the entire family, including brothers and sisters. The impact on siblings can be profound as they often witness severe, uncontrolled seizures and are impacted by the disruption to family life from many hospitalisations. These experiences can be confronting and, at times, overwhelming, leaving siblings with feelings that are complex and not always easy to express. They can feel isolated and overshadowed by the significant needs of their hemispherectomy brother or sisters.
Hemi siblings need understanding, reassurance, and support. We encourage families to read this guidance produced by the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance to provide age-appropriate practical support strategies siblings of our hemi heroes.
Siblings Australia also produces a fabulous range of resources to support siblings of children with disability.
By strengthening support for siblings, we support the wellbeing of the whole hemi family.
