The Hidden Story of Special Needs Siblings: Growing Up with Disability and Raising a Child with Autism with Sandra Peoples

What is it really like to grow up as the sibling of a child with disabilities? How does that experience shape the way you parent your own family?

In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie Holt talks with Sandra Peoples, a disability ministry consultant, author, professor, and mom of a son with level-three autism. Sandra shares her unique perspective of living on both sides of the story: growing up with a sister with Down syndrome and now raising a child with significant autism.

Sandra opens up about the hidden experiences many siblings carry — from trying to make themselves “smaller,” so their parents have less to worry about, to navigating embarrassment, protectiveness, and love.

Together, Carrie and Sandra discuss:

• What Sandra’s parents did well in raising a special needs sibling
• The stage of life that can be most difficult for siblings
• How parents can validate difficult emotions without guilt or shame
• Navigating responsibility and avoiding unhealthy parentification
• Why disability families are still one of the most overlooked mission fields in the church

If you’re raising a child with disabilities and wondering how this journey is shaping your other children, this honest and grace-filled conversation will offer both wisdom and encouragement.

Eps. 31; 3/10/26

Resources:

• Sandra’s Book: Accessible Church
• Find Sandra on FB and Instagram
• Sandra’s Website

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• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
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• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.