💜 Meet Malysha: A Sibling Carer’s Story of Strength and Compassion 💙

During Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re shining a light on the real people behind the labels — those who live, love, and support neurodivergent individuals every day. Today, we’re proud to introduce you to Malysha, a sibling carer whose story reflects the quiet strength and deep compassion that so often go unseen.

“Hi, I'm Malysha and I have three brothers that are neurodivergent.”

From a young age, Malysha has played a vital role in her family - not just as a sister, but as someone who shows up with care, resilience, and empathy.

Growing Up with Neurodivergent Siblings

“The hardest thing about my brothers is that I had to grow up quicker than my friends and miss out on a lot of things because of their needs.”

Many young carers will resonate with this feeling. While peers might be focused on school dances or sleepovers, young carers like Malysha are often navigating responsibilities far beyond their years.

And yet, her story is also filled with joy and love:

“My brothers are really funny and they say some of the funniest, most random things ever.”

These everyday moments of laughter and connection are a powerful reminder that neurodivergent families aren’t defined by challenges - they’re defined by bonds, quirks, and shared joy.

Finding Purpose Through Lived Experience

Malysha’s journey has inspired her to give back to others in similar situations:

“My brother's needs have allowed me to become a volunteer at many different places and organisations and to help other people like me and my family.”

Her experience has shaped her into someone who sees beyond assumptions, who understands that everyone’s behaviour has context, and who recognises the value in different perspectives.

“I also feel that I have a better understanding of different people and why they act differently compared to other people my age because of my brothers.”

Why These Stories Matter

At NEST, we believe stories like Malysha’s need to be heard - not just during awareness weeks, but all year round. Sibling carers are an essential part of the neurodiversity community. They often carry invisible responsibilities, advocate behind the scenes, and grow into adults with extraordinary insight and empathy.

Let’s take a moment to recognise the love, patience, and strength it takes to walk this path.

💬 Just a heads-up: The stories shared here are real experiences, told in individuals’ own words. They haven’t been edited or written by NEST or NHS Ayrshire & Arran.