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 was only in year 1 or 2. The experience made school harder, both academically and socially. Michael struggled with the lack of support and acknowledgment from school staff for his caring duties, which impacted his learning and emotional well-being. He felt tired and angry, and he needed more support from counselors and faculty members who could understand his situation better. Despite the challenges, Michael cherishes his brother Owen, who is a diehard AFL fan, incredibly sporty, and has a vibrant social life. Carers Australia is working to raise awareness among school principals, teachers, and pastoral care workers about the specific support needs of young carers.
