Since the day I was born, my life has been different than many, and just like some 6 percent of siblings in the United States, I live with a special needs sibling.

She brings me great joy each and every day, but there are many differences in the life of a special needs sibling from a neuro-typical sibling. I constructed a list of things that are different in my life and the lives of other special needs siblings that people may find value in.

1. Having a sense of adulthood at a young age

Looking back on the first 18+ years of my life, I found that I have needed to grow up rather quickly. It seems like in many circumstances, I have acted as the older sibling or even a caregiver to my sister. Much of the time, special needs siblings are given responsibility to look after their sibling, bringing them to various activities and events in public, where they must be closely attended to, or even at home, where they may need help with basic chores and their own personal care routine.

Much of the time, this makes the sibling feel empowered and responsible to care for the other sibling as a parent or another adult would. In my own life, I experience this with my sister all the time, whether it's cooking a meal for her, tying her shoes, or something like bringing her to church each week and helping her interact with other people.

2. Not having close relationships, like many siblings have

Although being a special needs sibling is awesome, one thing that many siblings tend to wish they had a normal sibling relationship at times growing up, for many different reasons. Primarily, or at least in my case, special needs siblings look for those tight bonds that so many siblings have. You see it with many people who are comfortable approaching one of their siblings with anything and being able to share things that no one else could know.

Personally, I miss this aspect of a normal relationship the most, and for many kids who feel the same way, it's extremely possible to feel isolated sometimes, not always being able to share what's on their mind.

3. Sacrificing time for their sibling

Often times, if you ask a special needs sibling if they are free to hang out or able to do anything, a common answer you will get is along the lines of "might have to watch my sister" or something like that. In the life of a special needs sibling, you are forced to make sacrifices for your sibling— mainly time.

This can lead to extreme FOMO and anger as you are forced to miss out on some things with friends, or quality time with others, but can really help with things like a relationship with that sibling or further growing that sense of adulthood and caring.

4. Feeling pressure to succeed

Typically for a person with a special needs sibling, the pressure to do well in everything you do is often felt. Whether it's school, a job, or just things you do in your daily routine, you always feel the need to perform at a high level.

Personally, this was my biggest struggle for many years, and not until recently have I begun to let that pressure go. The reason I think so many people with special needs siblings feel this pressure is because they know in the back of their mind that someday they will need to provide for their siblings, as well as the rest of their own family, which can be a tough thing to wrap a mind around.

The key here is the will to always live in the present, and take life one small step at a time, and always soak in the things around you.

5. A bond unlike any other

While being a special needs sibling does have its challenges, the reward you gain is far greater than any challenge faced. Throughout my life, my sister and I have forged a bond that is unbreakable. I would do anything to make sure my sister is always well cared for and loved by those around her, and wouldn't trade in what we have for the world.

Many people view us siblings as disadvantaged and feel bad for us. I'm here to tell you that having a special needs sibling opens the door to learn from someone each and every day, have a greater sense of love and care for those around you. It is all but a disadvantage.

Finally, I hope that you did not see this as a pity article, but rather, a view into the life of people who have special needs siblings. No, it is not all daisies and roses, but dang, it sure is worth it.