Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/313070 
Year of Publication: 
2024
Citation: 
[Journal:] Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability [ISSN:] 1469-9532 [Volume:] 49 [Issue:] 1 [Publisher:] Taylor & Francis [Place:] London [Year:] 2024 [Pages:] 11-24
Publisher: 
Taylor & Francis, London
Abstract: 
Background: Siblings of children with intellectual disability have unique family experiences, varying by type of disability. Methods: Parents of children with Down syndrome (156) or with Rett syndrome (149) completed questionnaires relating to sibling advantages and disadvantages, experiences of holidays and recreation, and perceived availability of parental time. Qualitative responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Positive personality traits, an optimistic outlook, enhanced skills, and rich relationships were strong and consistent parental perceptions for siblings in both disability groups. Parents of children with Rett syndrome were more likely to rank themselves lower on time availability, and to report sibling difficulties with social engagement and family holidays. Conclusions: Parental responses appeared to be influenced by disability type, and reflective of child capabilities. Perceptions of sibling experience should be supplemented by data collected directly from siblings to fully understand their unique perspective, and the ways in which their experiences could be enhanced.
Subjects: 
siblings
intellectual disability
Down syndrome
Rett syndrome
parental reflections
family
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Article
Document Version: 
Published Version

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