Siblings of handicapped children: a review

Are there positive effects of having a sibling with special needs? Empathy and prosociality of twins of children with non-typical development

This study examined whether typically developing (TD) twins of non-TD children demonstrate enhanced empathy and prosociality. Of 778 Hebrew-speaking Israeli families who participated in a twin study, 63 were identified to have a non-TD child with a TD twin, and 404 as having both twins TD. TD twins of non-TD children (27% males) were compared to the rest of the cohort of TD children (46% males) on measures of empathy and prosociality. Participants were 11 years old. TD twins of non-TD children scored significantly higher than TD twins of TD children in a measure of cognitive empathy (d = .43). No differences were found in emotional empathy and prosociality. The specificity of the positive effect on cognitive empathy is discussed.

Adolescent Siblings of Individuals With and Without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Self-Reported Empathy and Feelings About Their Brothers and Sisters

Siblings of brothers or sisters with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are important but understudied family members. As many previous studies have relied on parent report of sibling outcomes, the use of sibling self-report is an important addition to the research. This study assessed the feelings of adolescent siblings toward their brothers or sisters with and without IDD, as well as broader aspects of sibling empathy. Data were collected via a national, online survey from 97 parent-sibling pairs. Siblings of individuals with IDD reported higher levels of anxiety toward the target child than did siblings of typically developing individuals. Sibling feelings toward the target child were related to both parental and target child factors, but only among families of individuals with IDD.

Siblings of People with Disabilities' Explicit and Implicit Disability Attitude Divergence

Siblings of people with disabilities have more exposure to people with disabilities than most nondisabled people, uniquely positioning them toward disability, yet less is known about how this might impact their attitudes. This study examined siblings' disability attitudes by determining siblings' explicit and implicit disability bias, mapping their 2-dimensional prejudice, and examining theoretical variables that might be relevant to their attitudes. To do so, the Disability Attitudes Implicit Association Test, the Symbolic Ableism Scale, and survey questions were administered to 48 siblings. Findings revealed the majority of the siblings implicitly preferred nondisabled people, despite reporting low levels of explicit attitudes.

The Psychosocial Impact of Cleft Lip and/or Palate on Unaffected Siblings

Background

Sibling relationships are among the most unique social connections, significantly affecting psychosocial adjustment. Previous reviews in the fields of chronic illness and disability have concluded that unaffected siblings of children with long-term conditions are at risk of poorer psychological functioning as a consequence. Much research has investigated the psychosocial impact of CL/P on affected individuals and their parents, yet comparatively little is known about the impact on other close family members.

Objective

To gain a better understanding of the experience of unaffected siblings of children born with CL/P, with a view to informing service provision and support.

Design

Individual qualitative interviews conducted over the telephone/Internet with five siblings and eight parents, including five sibling-parent pairs from the same family.

Results

Thematic analysis identified three key themes applicable across both parent and sibling interviews: perceptions of positive and negative impacts, factors affecting the degree of impact, and support for families.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into a population that is often overlooked in the context of cleft care. The analysis identified a number of sibling support and information needs, along with suggestions of how to incorporate support for siblings in practice. The findings suggest that an inclusive approach to health care encompassing all members of the family is essential for optimal familial adjustment.

“He Can't Really Play”: An Ethnographic Study of Sibling Acceptance and Interaction

This article reports the findings of a case study of sibling interaction between a young man with Down syndrome and his three brothers. The case study was conducted as part of a larger study of the social relationships of 10 students with moderate to severe disabilities. Data were collected by ethnographic interviews with family members and key personnel in the student's school and community, and by participant observation of a range of home, school, and community activities. Data from the case study of sibling relationships are compared to data on the target student's interactions with nonfamily peers. Findings indicate that, within the family context, a range of sibling roles and of activities for the target student seemed to compensate for the target student's limited participation in sibling play activities. Outside of the family, the need for peer facilitation and advocacy was essential for the target student to be included successfully. The discussion offers a consideration of how schools can foster a sense of belonging that will encourage peer accommodations without creating unrealistic demands on students, both with and without disabilities.

Parents' Perceptions of Siblings' Interactions with Their Brothers and Sisters Who are Deaf-Blind

This study surveyed parents' perceptions of relationships between siblings and their brothers and sisters with deaf-blindness. Parents' responses to a questionnaire were used to examine parents' perceptions of the types of interactions and interaction difficulties found between siblings and their brothers and sisters with deaf-blindness. In addition, parents shared their perceptions in the areas of communication, visual and auditory adaptations, orientation and mobility, and inclusion. The data indicate that relationships between siblings in this study consisted of unequal roles between siblings and their brothers and sisters with deaf-blindness, with siblings primarily taking on a helping role. According to parents, unique modifications needed to effectively interact with individuals who are deaf-blind were not typically being implemented by the siblings in this study.

Sibling Relationships of Handicapped Children: A Review of Conceptual and Methodological Issues

This paper reviews the literature in two areas of research on the social development of siblings. Specifically it compares and contrasts studies of sibling relationships of handicapped children with the wider literature on non-handicapped siblings. The focus is on the methodological and conceptual features which characterise research in each area, with a particular emphasis on identifying the unique contributions each can make to the advance of knowledge in developmental psychology. For the purpose of clarity in this review, the term "siblings" will refer to the non-handicapped brothers and sisters of a handicapped child, unless otherwise specified.

The effect of obsessive compulsive disorder on sibling relationships in late childhood and early adolescence: Preliminary findings

The present study examined the effect of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) on child and adolescent sibling relationships. In previous research on adult OCD, siblings of OCD sufferers showed a high level of occommodotion to obsessive-compulsive symptoms and subsequent depression. No research has been conducted on the effect of OCD on child and adolescent sibling relationships. This small but important pilot study investigated sibling accommodation to obsessive-compulsive symptoms, sibling relationship quality, and depression and anxiety in siblings of children who have OCD. The study had two components. First, siblings of children with OCD were examined before and after a 14-week treatment program for OCD. Second, these siblings were compared at prebefore treatment with a comparison group of siblings whose brother or sister did not meet diagnostic criteria for either OCD or any other childhood disorders (i.e., comparison group). Three outcomes were noted. Siblings of OCD children accommodated to obsessive-compulsive symptoms and were distressed by the presence of OCD in their brother or sister. Furthermore, the quality of sibling relationships in OCD families improved with successful treatment of OCD. Finally, anxiety and depression were higher in siblings of an OCD child or adolescent, compared to siblings in the comparison group. Given the significant impact that OCD has on the sibling relationship, implications for family-based treatment, incorporating a sibling support component, are addressed.

Quality of life of unaffected siblings of children with chronic neurological disorders

OBJECTIVE

To study quality of life (QoL) of the siblings of children with chronic neurological disorders.

METHODS

Between 1st August and 30th September, 2013, 50 children aged 12-18 y, whose child sibling was suffering from a chronic neurological disorder, were enrolled (Study group). Fifty age- and sex- matched siblings of apparently non-neurologically affected children were enrolled as controls (Control group). Those with more than one affected child or any affected adult in the family were excluded. QoL was assessed by a validated version of the WHOQOL-BREF in Hindi, and QoL was compared between cases and controls.

RESULTS

The disorders in the index cases included cerebral palsy, 18 (15 with epilepsy); autism, 15; mental retardation, 12 and epilepsy, 5. The QoL in all domains was significantly poorer in the study group as compared to the controls. 64% study group children had insufficient knowledge about their sibling's condition. More than 1/4th study subjects faced difficulties in studies, play or work. There was no difference among the groups with regard to number of siblings who had 'dropped from the school'.

CONCLUSIONS

The QoL of unaffected siblings of children with chronic neurological disorders was significantly impaired. Health-workers may consider including older siblings of neurologically affected children during family-counseling sessions, to provide information and suggest coping strategies. This intervention is likely to improve the functioning of the family unit as a whole.

Predictors of helping profession choice and volunteerism among siblings of adults with mild intellectual deficits

This study examined aspects of the sibling relationship that predicted helping profession choice and volunteerism in siblings of individuals with mild intellectual deficits at 3 points in adulthood: their mid-30s, early 50s, and mid-60s. The 393 respondents were from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, a prospective, longitudinal study following participants from ages 18 to 64 years. Being an only sibling predicted greater helping profession choice for female but not male siblings. Being older than the brother or sister with mild intellectual deficits as well as having more contact with and feeling closer to that brother or sister predicted more volunteerism for female but not for male siblings. Earlier measures of contact and closeness were better predictors of volunteerism than concurrent measures.

Crianças que cuidam de irmãos com necessidades especiais

Este estudo analisou situações em que um irmão/ã ajuda a cuidar de uma criança com necessidades especiais. Foram entrevistadas as mães e as crianças cuidadoras de 10 famílias de baixa renda, em Salvador-Bahia, com filhos portadores de paralisia cerebral. São detalhados os comportamentos de cuidado indicados pelas mães e pelas crianças cuidadoras, a participação das crianças em tarefas domésticas e suas atividades de lazer. Descrevem-se dificuldades e satisfação/insatisfação dos cuidadores com a tarefa, e expectativas de mães e crianças em relação ao futuro. Discute-se o grau de responsabilidade atribuído às crianças. Apontam-se limitações do estudo e algumas direções de intervenção para profissionais de saúde que atendem essas famílias.

Future Concerns of Adult Siblings of Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury

This study examined future concerns conveyed by adult siblings who provided regular caregiving support to their brothers and sisters with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The authors surveyed a national sample of 280 adult siblings of persons with TBI. Using a constant comparative approach to text analysis, the authors analyzed responses to the question “What are your concerns regarding the future for your sibling with TBI?” Common themes of such concerns were related to the caregiving siblings' roles as future caregivers and their perceptions of the quality of professional care provided to their injured family members. Also, participants endorsed concerns for their injured siblings' independence, recovery, and relationships with family and friends. Clinical, advocacy, and research implications of these findings are discussed.

Siblings of children with severe emotional disturbances: risks, resources, and adaptation

This study examines risks, resources, and adjustment among siblings of children with severe emotional disturbances (SED) involved in an initiative to develop family centered Systems of Care in North Carolina. These siblings experience many of the same risks as the children who have been diagnosed with SED (i.e., "targets"), but have received relatively little attention from the system or researchers. This first systematic study of these siblings describes an early sample (n = 56), compares them to their system-identified brothers and sisters, and explores contextual factors related to sibling resources and adjustment. Findings suggest the siblings, much like the targets: (a) have been exposed to extremely high levels of adversity, and (b) evidence substantial variability in behavioral and emotional strengths and social-emotional adjustment. Although many siblings exhibit significant strengths and positive adjustment, a substantial proportion displays levels of competencies or problem behaviors on par with those targeted to receive services. Factors associated with positive sibling adjustment are consistent with those identified in prior risk and resilience work. Additional systematic study of these children could have implications for service delivery and preventive interventions.

The sibling experience: growing up with a child who has pervasive developmental disorder or mental retardation

Parents raising a child with significant developmental challenges are profoundly aware of the often sustained impact of that child's special needs upon their other children. Supported by recent research on siblings of developmentally challenged children, clinicians are advocating family-based interventions that take into account the needs of siblings. This article reviews the experience of siblings who live with brothers or sisters diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder or mental retardation. Contributions from research on typical siblings are drawn upon when appropriate. Six domains of the sibling experience are identified. These domains explore relational shifts within sibling relationships and through the expectable differential parental treatment of each child. Shifts considered in this review include the interrelationships with the extended family, peers, and friendships, all of which contribute to shaping the meaning that siblings give to living with developmentally challenged brothers or sisters across time.

Social skills and behavior problems in children with disabilities with and without siblings

This study examined social skills and behavior of children with disabilities (CWD) and the impact of siblings on these behaviors. Eighty-five CWD diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder only (ADHD-o), Learning Disability or Learning Problems (LD/LP), ADHD and LD combined (ADHD/LD) or Spina Bifida (SB) and their siblings were evaluated using standardized social skills and behavior rating scales. The ADHD-o group had significantly lower social skills and more behavior problems than the other groups. There was no recognized effect of the sibling relationship on the social skills and behavioral problems of either the CWD or their siblings. Birth order of the sibling dyads and diagnos(es) of siblings did not have significant influence on the social skills or behavior of CWD. ADHD is a significant risk factor for poor social skills and behavior problems, even when compared with other diagnoses that carry an increased risk of these same problems.

Estresse e relações familiares na perspectiva de irmãos de indivíduos com transtornos globais do desenvolvimento

Os Transtornos Globais do Desenvolvimento (TGD) caracterizam-se pelo comprometimento da interação social, pelo uso estereotipado e repetitivo da linguagem e pela presença de comportamentos repetitivos com interesses restritos. A maioria dos estudos nessa área focaliza o impacto dos TGD nos pais, ao passo que pouca atenção tem sido dada ao impacto nos irmãos. O presente estudo objetivou investigar a presença de indicadores de estresse e a qualidade das relações familiares em irmãos de indivíduos com e sem TGD. Participaram 62 crianças e adolescentes com idades entre 8 e 18 anos. Os resultados revelaram a ausência de indicadores de estresse nos grupos investigados. Os dados corroboram as premissas do metamodelo de Adaptação da Família à Doença Crônica, ao demonstrar que a presença de um membro com TGD na família não representa, obrigatoriamente, um evento adverso para os irmãos, desde que haja qualidade nas relações familiares e uma rede de apoio.

Social and emotional adjustment of siblings of children with autism

BACKGROUND

Social and emotional adjustment of siblings of children with autism was examined, to explore their risk or resilience to effects of genetic liability and environmental factors involved in having a sibling with autism.

METHOD

Social-emotional adjustment, behavior problems, socialization skills, and siblings' relationships were compared among 30 siblings of children with autism, 28 siblings of children with mental retardation of unknown genetic etiology (MR), and 30 siblings of children with developmental language disorders (DLD). Groups were matched by probands' gender, siblings' chronological age, gender, IQ, and birth order, and by family size, ethnicity, and parental income, employment, and stress level.

RESULTS

Four siblings of children with autism, three siblings of children with MR, and seven siblings of children with DLD received DSM-IV diagnoses. Nevertheless, most of the siblings were well adjusted.

CONCLUSIONS

The adjustment of siblings of children with autism is in sharp contrast to the severe social and emotional disabilities characteristic of autism, and is noteworthy considering the stress involved in having a sibling with autism.

Negotiating deaf-hearing friendships: coping strategies of deaf boys and girls in mainstream schools

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, deaf students are educated in mainstream school environments. This poses a question of how deaf children negotiate the demands of forming friendships with their hearing peers. The present study was designed to examine coping strategies of 35 deaf children attending full or partial mainstream school settings.

METHOD

Using a qualitative analysis design, a range of coping strategies used by the children was described based on parents' reports. The relative success of these coping strategies in establishing relationships with hearing peers was assessed by examining strategies that increased the social success of deaf girls and boys.

RESULTS

The results showed differences by gender in the effectiveness of coping strategies used by the participants. Deaf girls who were confident and frequently asked for clarifications or who were comfortable playing alone tended to achieve good relationships with hearing peers. In contrast, deaf boys' relationships with hearing peers benefited mostly from the boys' ability to perform well in sports.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are discussed in light of existing research on coping and current debates on the benefits of mainstreaming for deaf children.

Die Beziehung zwischen behinderten und nichtbehinderten Geschwistern

Zusammenfassung. In der Forschung zur Beziehung zwischen behinderten und nichtbehinderten Geschwistern stehen vier Beziehungsaspekte im Vordergrund: (1) die Rollenbeziehung zwischen den Geschwistern, (2) das Ausmaß des Kontaktes zwischen den Geschwistern, (3) qualitative Aspekte des Geschwisterkontaktes und (4) die Art des Spielverhaltens. Kennzeichnend für die Beziehung zwischen behinderten und nichtbehinderten Geschwistern ist eine im Vergleich zu nichtbehinderten Geschwisterpaaren größere Rollenasymmetrie. Unabhängig von seiner Geburtsposition nimmt das nichtbehinderte Geschwisterkind eine dominante Stellung gegenüber dem behinderten Geschwisterkind ein. Der Kontakt zwischen den Geschwistern ist im allgemeinen nicht eingeschränkt, die Geschwisterbeziehung wird von den nichtbehinderten Geschwistern ebenso wie von den Eltern überwiegend positiv bewertet. Im Spielverhalten zeigt sich, daß die nichtbehinderten Geschwister bemüht sind, Unterschiede im Spielniveau zu überbrücken und so die Voraussetzungen für ein gemeinsames Spiel mit ihrem behinderten Geschwister zu schaffen. In der Forschung wurden drei Faktoren aufgegriffen, die sich auf die Geschwisterbeziehung zwischen behinderten und nichtbehinderten Geschwistern auswirken könnten: (1) Die differentielle Zuwendung der Eltern für die Geschwister, (2) die Übertragung von Verantwortung für die Betreuung auf das nichtbehinderte Geschwisterkind sowie (3) die Art der Behinderung. Der Forschungsstand zum Einfluß dieser drei Faktoren auf die Geschwisterbeziehung wird dargestellt. Abschließend wird auf mögliche Konsequenzen für die psychosoziale Unterstützung von Familien mit behinderten Kindern hingewiesen.

Sind Geschwister behinderter oder chronisch kranker Kinder in ihrer Entwicklung gefährdet? Ein Überblick über den Stand der Forschung

Zusammenfassung. Einleitend werden fünf potentielle Risiken für Kinder mit behinderten oder chronisch kranken Geschwistern herausgestellt: (1) die Übernahme von Verantwortung für die Betreuung und Versorgung des behinderten/chronisch kranken Geschwisters sowie die verstärkte Mithilfe im Haushalt, (2) eine eingeschränkte elterliche Verfügbarkeit, (3) überhöhte elterliche Leistungserwartungen, (4) die Überidentifikation mit dem behinderten/chronisch kranken Geschwister sowie (5) indirekte Risikofaktoren wie die erhöhte Belastung der Eltern oder Stigmatisierungsprozesse gegenüber der Familie. Auf der Basis von 36 kontrollierten Studien wird der Forschungsstand zur Frage einer möglichen Gefährdung von Geschwistern behinderter oder chronisch kranker Kinder dargestellt. Die Befundlage ergibt keine Anhaltspunkte für eine allgemeine Gefährdung von Kindern mit behinderten oder chronisch kranken Geschwistern. In einigen Untersuchungen wird der Frage nachgegangen, welche Bedingungen die psychosozialen Auswirkungen des gemeinsamen Aufwachsens mit einem behinderten oder chronisch kranken Geschwister moderieren. Die Ergebnisse verweisen auf ein erhöhtes Risiko für die älteren Schwestern behinderter oder chronisch kranker Kinder.

Relations in families with a mentally retarded child from the perspective of the siblings

Nowadays most handicapped children in Sweden live with their families. In this study some of the consequences of the normalisation of their lives are analysed, focusing on young siblings of mentally retarded children. Sixteen siblings, aged 5-11, were tested with the Family Relations Test and Kvebaek Family Sculpture Technique, as were siblings in a control group in which each child was chosen to match a sibling in the target group with respect to age and family constellation. The results show few differences between the two groups. According to the Family Relations Test, however, the emotional involvement in the eldest non-retarded sibling differs statistically significant from that of the corresponding child in the control group and especially so with respect to negative incoming feelings. Young siblings also show a tendency to unconsciously place the mentally retarded child at larger distances from themselves than they place the other siblings with respect to the Kvebaek Family Sculpture Technique. The results indicate that siblings of mentally retarded children have another frame of reference when judging family relations compared with that of the children in the control group. Thus siblings of mentally retarded children seem to adapt to change in the family because of the mentally retarded child and qualitatively alter their thinking in relation to the family members.

Sibling interaction of children with learning disabilities: a comparison of autism and Down's syndrome

Two potentially contrasting hypotheses can be generated about sibling interactions involving a child with Down's syndrome or autism. Research on siblings would predict that learning disabled children adopt responsive roles. Studies of children with autism would predict impoverished interactions. Home observations were conducted on 30 sibling pairs involving children with autism or Down's syndrome. Both hypotheses were partially supported. All learning disabled children engaged in frequent bouts of interaction, usually directed by their sibling. While children with autism engaged in fewer bouts and imitated less, they did reciprocate their siblings' initiations. Sibling encounters provide a unique opportunity for such children to learn about social relationships.

Siblings of a child with autism, with mental retardation and with a normal development

A total of 60 children between 8 and 15 years of age participated in this project, 20 of whom had a sibling with autism, 20 a sibling with mental retardation and 20 a non-disabled sibling. The children were questioned about their sibling relationship and their experiences of stress. The children with a sibling with autism also completed a questionnaire on their knowledge of the autistic syndrome. Analyses revealed that the three groups were basically similar in their ratings of the frequency of stressors involving their siblings. There was a trend for children with a disabled brother or sister to rate their relationship with the sibling more positively. Correlational analyses revealed an association between both stressor frequency and appraisal and the evaluation of the relationship with the brother or sister. Siblings of children with autism had a fair understanding of the autistic syndrome. In this group, there was also an association between the children's knowledge of the autistic disorder and the quality of the sibling relationship.

Depression and social adjustment in siblings of boys with autism

Compared 22 siblings of autistic boys and 34 other siblings on measures of depression, social adjustment, and the amount of child care and domestic responsibility the siblings carry within the family. The relationship between sibling gender, age, birth order, qualities of the boy with autism, and family characteristics, and siblings' scores on the above measures were examined. Results of this research showed that siblings of autistic boys scored significantly higher on depression than the comparison group, but not on problems of social adjustment. There were no statistically significant gender differences; however, different gender-related patterns emerged on the correlates which may be of theoretical significance for future studies.

Behavioural problems in children with Down's syndrome and their siblings

Reports of problem behaviour in children with Down's syndrome and their siblings were gathered from mothers, fathers and teachers. Twenty-one sibling pairs were included in the study. The Revised Behavior Problem Checklist (Quay & Peterson, 1983) was used to gather information on total problem behaviour and on five specific problem areas. Children with Down's syndrome were reported to display more problem behaviours overall and to show significantly more attentional problems than their siblings by all rater groups. Sisters of children with Down's syndrome were reported to be more conduct disordered than were brothers by mothers, fathers and teachers. Measures of depression and marital satisfaction found both parent groups to be in the non-distressed range on these instruments. Depression contributed significantly to both parents' reports of problems in the siblings while marital satisfaction was important for mothers' reports of problems in children with Down's syndrome.

Current developments in the understanding of mental retardation. Part I: Biological and phenomenological perspectives

During the past decade, noteworthy advances have taken place within the field of mental retardation. The application of advanced biological techniques in such areas as molecular genetics and neuroimaging has substantially improved our ability to identify the biological factors that underlie the origin and pathogenesis of an increasing number of mental retardation syndromes. Refined genetic and psychosocial assessments have highlighted the impressive degree of heterogeneity that is present within and across many mental retardation syndromes, stimulating increasing interest and study. This, the first of a two-part review, will focus on recent developments in biological and phenomenological aspects of mental retardation.

Siblings of autistic children: their adjustment and performance at home and in school

The research examined the adjustment of siblings of autistic children. The relationship between sex and family size of the siblings and the sibling's performance on achievement, self-concept, home behavior, and school behavior was examined. Six 2 x 2 analyses of variance were completed. Results indicated that there was little variance as a function of sex or family size. Overall the sibling's performance was not suggestive of needing special intervention. These results are discussed in terms of how they relate to previous findings and implications for clinical intervention and future research.

Living with impairment: the effects on children of having an autistic sibling

Although children of impaired siblings are generally believed to be at risk of suffering from a variety of problems themselves, research studies indicate that living with impairment is not necessarily a harmful experience. This report reviews studies in this area, with particular emphasis on those involving autistic sibships. Although often lacking adequate experimental controls, the current literature suggests various factors that are likely to influence the risks on siblings. Possible ways of minimizing such risk factors are discussed.

The autistic child and family functioning: a developmental-family systems perspective

Autism is a severe, long-term developmental disorder that potentially has substantial influence on different aspects of the family system. Principles from family-systems theory are considered as they relate to the autistic child within the family. A selective and critical review is presented of research findings on the influence of the autistic child on the functioning and interactions of family members, including parents, siblings, and the family as a whole. Research findings are also reviewed on resources associated with successful family adaptation to the autistic child. Suggestions are offered for improved research to assess the relationship between certain child variables and measures of family functioning.

Sibling influences on childhood development

To summarize the main points concerning sibling influence: 1. That siblings play a causal role in the development of aggressive behavior, in children's style of conflict behavior and in cooperative fantasy play is strongly suggested by recent research. 2. Marked problems in the sibling relationship are indicative of other problems, but a causal role for siblings is not established, other than for aggressive behavior. 3. Family factors are closely involved in the quality of sibling relationships--and thus in sibling influence, namely differential parental behavior, and the emotional climate of the family. That is, it is important not to consider the sibling relationship in isolation from other family relationships. 4. Studies of families under stress indicate heightened importance of these family factors. 5. It is likely, but not yet established, that later-born siblings are influenced by first-born in socio-cognitive development and gender identity. 6. Finally it should be noted that an important theme in current research on siblings is a concern with the question of why siblings develop to be so different from one another. It has been shown that the major source of environmental influence on the development of individual differences is within-family rather than between-family differences in experience (Plomin & Daniels, 1987). The different experiences each sibling may have within their relationship is one potential source of such differential environmental influence. Thus documenting the influence of siblings upon each other takes on added significance: By clarifying the extent and nature of this influence we will gain not only useful clinical information but illumination on a developmental principle of very general significance.

Psychosocial characteristics of preschool siblings of handicapped and nonhandicapped children

This project examined psychosocial characteristics of 24 preschool-aged siblings of handicapped children in relation to a control group of 22 siblings of nonhandicapped children. Subjects were matched on family size and income, sibling age, birth order, sex, age spacing, and marital status of their parents. Results indicated no statistically significant differences between groups of children on measures of perceived self-competence and acceptance, understanding of developmental disabilities, empathy, and child care responsibility. Significant group differences were found where brothers of handicapped children were rated by their mothers as being more depressed and aggressive than brothers of nonhandicapped control children. Sisters of handicapped children were rated by mothers as being more aggressive than sisters of nonhandicapped children. Sisters of handicapped children and brothers of nonhandicapped children had significantly fewer privileges and more restrictions on their home activities than other groups. Results are discussed in relation to previous research on older siblings of handicapped children and the general literature on family stress and childhood disability and disease. The importance of examining sibling functioning via multiple measures of child behavior is stressed.

Parents and grandparents view the autistic child

Mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers of 19 autistic children completed a questionnaire describing their view of the handicapped child, the impact of the child on the parent, and the relationship between the parents and grandparents. Paired t tests revealed that whenever there was a significant difference between the generations, grandparents took a more positive view. For example, maternal grandmothers had a more positive view of the child than did their daughters, and paternal grandmothers had a more positive view of their relationship with their son than did the son. Grandmothers demonstrated an empathic understanding of their daughter's experiences. There was a significant Pearson product-moment correlation between grandmothers and grandfathers in overall scores, their view of the child, and how they viewed their son's or daughter's experiences as the parent of a handicapped child. Maternal grandparents visited the family significantly more often than paternal grandparents. The study offers us a first empirical look at grandparents and their autistic grandchild.