Ascribed role relations between children with mental retardation and their younger siblings

Ascribed, parent-mediated childcare roles of younger same-sex siblings of children with mental retardation were compared to roles assumed by a matched group of comparison siblings. Role reversals were evident for younger siblings of children with mental retardation. These reversals were consistent with roles assumed by the siblings during observed interactions. Increased younger sibling childcare roles were related to less conflicted sibling relationships but were not predictive of friendship or socialization experiences of younger siblings. Younger siblings of children with mental retardation had fewer household chores than did comparison agemates. Children with mental retardation had fewer friendship contacts and out-of-home activities than did their peers without mental retardation. Important within-group differences were evident.