Siblings of Children with Disabilities

Abstract

This paper brings together initial results from the pilot stage of research being undertaken on the needs of siblings of children with disabilities. Our findings have helped us to restructure the questionnaire to be used in the second stage of the research, the main study, and enabled emergent trends to be identified following comments received during face-to-face interviews with non-disabled siblings. Comments recorded concern both advantages and disadvantages of having a brother or sister with disabilities. Note is also made of the caring responsibilities undertaken by siblings, and the popularity and need for a sibling support group.