At school, I was my brother's protector, but I needed more support. Michael Roberts recalls the day he was pulled out of a math test to help his brother, Owen, who has Down syndrome. While Owen was in the year above him, Michael's role as his protector came with a heavy burden. He struggled with the lack of support and acknowledgment from school staff, which impacted his learning and emotional well-being. Michael shares his experiences and the specific support he wished he had received as a young carer. He emphasizes the need for more understanding and accommodations, such as flexible assignment due dates, to better support students like him. Despite the challenges, Michael cherishes his brother's independence and the skills he has developed through their shared experiences. Carers Australia is working to raise awareness among school staff about the unique needs of young carers, aiming to provide them with the necessary support and understanding.
