Cerebral-palsied children's interactions with siblings--I. Influence of severity of disability, age and birth order

Sixty-four Greek cerebral-palsied children, aged 2-13, and their siblings were observed in a semi-structured play situation at home. Compared to matched control dyads, disabled children were passive and lacking in assertiveness, while their siblings were correspondingly more directive. Interaction in disabled dyads was predominantly hierarchical in nature with disabled children assuming the role of the younger child regardless of age or birth order. Control dyads were more egalitarian, with members taking turns in initiating the interaction. Maternal intervention was higher in disabled dyads, particularly among younger groups where social skills were poorly developed.