Sibling’s Day 2026 – Siblings of Prior’s Court young people talk about their experiences

Maintaining strong relationships with families is a key part of Prior's Court's ethos - regular calls home and regular visits ensures that both parents and siblings get to share in the joyous experiences their young person has. This may be joining them in dancing to music at the festival, or celebrating them doing up their own zip on a normal Saturday trip out. 

To mark on 10th April 2026, we reached out to the siblings of young people from Prior's Court both past and present to ask about their experiences growing up with an autistic sibling, and how Prior's Court has shaped their relationship both during their sibling's time here and beyond. 

Being Peter's younger brother... now and in the future - Andrew Reid

"Like the rest of my family, I am incredibly proud of Peter and the progress he has made throughout all aspects of his life. You could ask any of our friends - when Peter is happy, his mood is contagious, and you cannot help yourself from smiling when he is smiling. He continues to learn new skills and undertake new activities. A recent example of this was taking him skiing for the first time this year. This was a completely new experience for Peter - the surroundings, the activities and his schedule were all completely different to what he is accustomed to. Each day, I (with my other brother, Matt) attempted to give Peter a skiing lesson. Although he was often distracted by other skiers and cable cars, he started to get the hang of it. More importantly, he was smiling, laughing and enjoying himself throughout the entire trip - which was certainly the highlight for me during this trip.

"I have also just come back from taking Peter to the Isle of Wight for a weekend. Again, Peter was extremely happy throughout and he was a pleasure to spend the weekend with. However, there are things I still worried about - What if Peter leaves the accommodation in the middle of the night and I don’t notice? What if he wakes up tomorrow and is suddenly anxious? Have I made sure everything is on his schedule for tomorrow? What if one of the activities we had planned we can’t do anymore, and this makes him upset? Did I remember to give him his medication? I am sure these are things that a lot of people don’t have to worry about when going away with their 33-year-old brother! Taking Peter away by myself and taking him on a ski trip as a family would have been something we would never have attempted before the influence Prior’s Court had on Peter. Even going out to a restaurant was not particularly easy when he was younger. The change in his routine would be a challenge in itself which we would try to manage with a detailed schedule. We would often be unable to help him control his anxiety and emotions, potentially disrupting other groups, meaning one of my parents would often take him out for a walk mid-meal. Peter now knows what is expected of him at restaurants and enjoys the treat - just one example of something we can now enjoy with him. 

"It has not always been easy to interact with Peter - especially when he was at his most challenging and anxious before he went to Prior’s Court. We always tried our best to help him, but he conversed even less than he does now, and we couldn’t manage to help him stay in control of his emotions. Despite this, I have always loved Peter and felt very protective of him - and he has taught me so much about accepting and embracing differences. 

"As I anticipate the future, I have lots of worries and concerns. I recognise my parents are getting older and I will need to assume responsibility for Peter when they cannot do as much as they are doing at present. At the moment, I live some distance from where Peter is living and that might become difficult at some point. I am aware that my own career and family choices will likely be affected by caring responsibilities. In addition to trying to ensure Peter has a happy and fulfilled life, there are so many practical issues (that I am grateful my parents currently manage) like deputyship, Peter’s finances and medical appointments that I will need to help manage. I am fortunate I can share these worries with my other brother Matt, who I know will take on some of the responsibilities.

"I also worry about the future of care provision in this country. I have no idea what care will look like by the time Peter himself is older. As a family, we now have a much better understanding of how to keep Peter happy. I want to make sure that the people who care for Peter understand him and help to continue his development and skills - but there are no guarantees this will happen. 

"I worry about my own relationship with Peter. How will it develop as we both get older? How do I balance caring for him with my own career, future family and responsibilities that may come my way? Who can I turn to for help, support and advice as my journey with Peter gets potentially more complicated?

"What I do know is that every minute I have spent with Peter up to this point was worth every effort I put into it, and this will continue to be the case. We have a strong bond, and I hope my protective instincts will equip me well to support him for as long as he needs me to. Having an autistic brother is a unique challenge but it is one I would not ask to be without as it has brought an incredible amount of fulfilment to my own life."

A letter to my 10-year old self - Matt Reid

"This is going to be a very strange letter. I am you 20 years in the future. You’re grown up now! I could tell you all about your future life, tell you which football teams to bet on, or tell you to buy bitcoin!

"Looking back can be difficult. There are some tough times ahead and you will make so many mistakes along the way. I could tell you how to avoid them, how to go through adolescence without getting so much wrong, but to do so would take something away from the journey that got you here. I know how much you worry - about school, about friends, about family, about the future. Let me just tell you this - you will be ok. Life will turn out fuller and more exciting than you could have ever imagined. When all is said and done, I wouldn’t change a thing.

"You know your childhood is already a little different to most of your friends. At home, Peter is having a hard time. You know he’s not naughty, he would never want to upset anyone, but the world is very difficult for him right now. Try to remember that when he lashes out. I would love to tell you that in a year from now everything gets better, he finds his way and there’s no more struggle for him, but that’s not true. His world will always be different from ours and there will always be bad days, but there is hope ahead. Mum and Dad have been trying to get him into a new school, Prior’s Court. I know school admissions are not top of your interest list right now, but this is the place where things will start to get better. They’re going to use schedules to help make the world more manageable for him. He’s going to do music and dance and art and gardening and rock climbing and horse riding and so many more things I can’t remember and he’s going to flourish. I am so jealous that you get to spend the next 10 years watching him grow from an anxious child into an assured young man. You will see his excitement and happiness, his wonder and delight. It’s not always easy but please take the time to cherish the good moments, and cherish him in the bad ones.

"I know Mum and Dad are annoying right now. I know you think you’re right about everything and if only they could see your side they’d understand. You won’t realise it for a long time yet, but they are working so hard for you and your brothers. I look back with a mixture of astonishment, gratefulness, and sheer guilt at all the effort they are making. It’s not easy for them either. They weren’t experts in autism when Peter was born, they haven’t got some magical knowledge only given to parents with special needs children. All they have is unwavering dedication and love, and they are pouring it all out on you. They are sacrificing and doing everything in their power to give you and your brothers the best childhood and all the opportunities they can, whilst also trying to navigate all the challenges Peter throws up. They’re still doing that by the way - the energy they give to him is incredible. Go easy on them, thank them often, and enjoy their daily company while you can. You’ll miss it one day.

"What does life with Peter look like these days? Well it’s not exactly perfect but my goodness it’s such a joy. He loves his brothers. We’ve just taken him skiing for the first time (maybe you should suggest this sooner?!) and he was so happy you wouldn’t believe it. No anxiety, no biting, no trouble at all. To be fair he wasn’t that great at skiing but he had a wonderful time! One day you’ll get to see this in person, get to experience his whole-hearted joy and see the way it spreads through the rest of the family. One day you’ll realise it is the most beautiful thing you’ll ever see."

What it was like growing up with James... A video story - Brandon Milburn

Brandon sat down to share his experience of growing up with an autistic sibling, and why James's time at Prior's Court has inspired him to run the London Marathon.

Brandon is taking part in the on Sunday, 26th April to raise money for Prior's Court. 

Published: 9th April, 2026

Updated: 15th April, 2026

Author: Bethany Daley-Franks