Developmental disabilities: effects on well siblings

Forty studies performed between 1970 and 1995 indicated that 60% of parents with children with developmental disabilities reported manifestations of increased risk or negative effects on the well siblings.

A secondary data analysis was performed using qualitative data gathered during the baseline of a randomized controlled clinical trial of an intervention for siblings/families of children with long-term conditions, including developmental disabilities. Content analysis was used to identify themes from responses of 151 parents to an open-ended question on their perceptions of the effects on well siblings of living at home with a brother/sister with developmental disabilities.

Of 363 themes identified, 61.1% reflected negative manifestations of increased risk in well siblings; 1.7% indicated no risk; and 37.2% reflected positive outcomes, suggesting the continued need for potential interventions.

Contemporary family life in these families, as portrayed by parents' descriptions, reflects need in child health care for more intervention research on this vulnerable population.