Mentally retarded children and their older same-sex siblings: naturalistic in-home observations

In-home interactions of mentally retarded children and their older nonhandicapped siblings were observed, as were interactions between target children and their mothers and fathers. Thirty-two same-sex sibling pairs participated; 16 with a mentally retarded child. Comparison siblings were matched on age, sex, race, parent marital status, education, and family income. High rates of interaction occurred between siblings. Older siblings accommodated the presence of a retarded child through their selection of activities. Interactions between retarded children and siblings were characterized by accentuated role asymmetries and less joint object play; no differences in affect were found. Gender differences in roles occurred as did relationships between competency of the retarded child and sibling interaction. Indirect effects on the parent-child relationship were also detected.