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

Peter Schuntermann1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, and Developmental Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA. peter_schuntermann@hms.harvard.edu

Harvard Review of Psychiatry
|May 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Siblings of children with developmental challenges experience unique relational shifts. Family-based interventions are recommended to support these children and their families.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Family Studies
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Children with developmental challenges significantly impact their siblings.
  • Recent research highlights the need for interventions addressing siblings' needs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the experiences of siblings with developmentally challenged brothers or sisters.
  • To identify key domains shaping siblings' perspectives.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing research on siblings of children with pervasive developmental disorder or mental retardation.
  • Incorporation of findings from studies on typical siblings.

Main Results:

  • Identified six key domains of the sibling experience.
  • Explored relational shifts within sibling relationships.
  • Examined the impact of differential parental treatment on siblings.

Conclusions:

  • Sibling relationships are shaped by developmental challenges and family dynamics.
  • Interventions should consider the extended family, peer relationships, and friendships.
  • Understanding these domains helps in supporting siblings over time.

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