# Make space for siblings too

Published by Pawel Jozefiak. [About this project](https://adhd100.jock.pl/about/), [How we check sources](https://adhd100.jock.pl/methodology/)

- Canonical: https://adhd100.jock.pl/include-siblings-needs/
- Language: en
- First published: 2026-09-29
- Evidence checked: 2026-09-29, using AI-assisted source verification
- Clinical review: Not clinically reviewed
- Number 77 of 100 in the list: https://adhd100.jock.pl/#include-siblings-needs

Let brothers and sisters be heard, without making them responsible for ADHD.

**The number:** Siblings can find it hard when attention goes to their brother or sister ([Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 2026](https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/wards-and-departments/departments/clinical-specialties/psychological-and-mental-health-services-pamhs/the-tic-service/tourette-syndrome-and-adhd/))

## The evidence

- How sure: Certainty of evidence: Not rated. Measured in people with ADHD.
- Evidence grade: C. Grade C: small or mixed studies, expert consensus or clinical practice. Worth knowing, not worth betting on.
- Basis: NHS clinical guidance on siblings; NICE family recommendation does not mention siblings or a sibling action. No measured effect for a sibling check-in.
- Benefit: 42/100. The benefit score is an editorial prioritization for the general list, weighted by certainty. It is not a prediction of what will happen for you.

## Why it matters

An NHS children's hospital notes that siblings can struggle when much of the family's attention goes to a brother or sister with ADHD, and they may feel embarrassed. NICE asks clinicians to ask families how ADHD affects other family members. Listening to siblings and explaining differences is family support. It is not a tested way to change ADHD symptoms.

## How to do it

1. Ask each sibling on their own what has been hard or confusing.
2. Explain ADHD in words they understand, and keep everyone's safety needs clear.
3. Make time to talk, and ask the family team about sibling support if needed.

## Talk to a clinician first

Take threats, injuries or fear between siblings seriously and seek help with keeping everyone safe.

## Putting it into practice

### Start now

- 1 minute: Practise the question: 'How has this been for you? You can tell me the difficult parts too.'
- 5 minutes: Check in with a sibling and listen without immediately defending anyone.
- 15 minutes: Use NHS family resources to plan an age-appropriate explanation or ask about sibling support.

### What it looks like

- 'You seem upset that our plans changed. I want to hear what that was like for you.'
- Ask a sibling what they understand about ADHD and correct one misunderstanding gently.

### Common mistakes

- Expecting a sibling to manage outbursts gives them an adult responsibility, so keep support with adults.
- Explaining ADHD should not dismiss hurt, so acknowledge the sibling's experience too.

### Trusted how-to guides

- [Tourette Syndrome and ADHD (undated)](https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/wards-and-departments/departments/clinical-specialties/psychological-and-mental-health-services-pamhs/the-tic-service/tourette-syndrome-and-adhd/), Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- [ADHD: further support, advice and self-help (undated)](https://www.camhsnorthderbyshire.nhs.uk/adhd), Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

## Sources

- [ADHD: diagnosis and management, NG87, information and support](https://cypsp.hscni.net/wp-content/uploads/ebpp/reports/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-diagnosis-and-management-pdf-1837699732933.pdf), NICE, public HSC Northern Ireland copy, 2018 (Tier 1 guideline)
- [Tourette Syndrome and ADHD (undated)](https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/wards-and-departments/departments/clinical-specialties/psychological-and-mental-health-services-pamhs/the-tic-service/tourette-syndrome-and-adhd/), Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 2026 (Tier 1 guideline)
- [ADHD: further support, advice and self-help (undated)](https://www.camhsnorthderbyshire.nhs.uk/adhd), Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2026 (Tier 1 guideline)

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General information about ADHD, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Tailoring changes the order of suggestions; it does not assess you. Medication decisions belong with you and a qualified clinician.

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