Theme: Siblings

Medically complex children and siblings: a mother shares her daughters' early and evolving relationship and how she parents.

Page: 2 of 6

Medically complex children and siblings: a mother shares her daughters' early and evolving relationship and how she parents.

June MSW, LICSW, ACHP-SW, mother of Katie (28) — who is medically complex and likely has Rett Syndrome — and Alissa (age 24), describes how her typical daughter evolved her understanding and questions about her sister, and how she parented her through that. “Around four, five, six, she started asking questions: How come Katie can’t talk? why does she have seizures and I don’t? … It presents different challenges at different times and I’m open and honest with her and reassuring.”