EXPERIENCES AND SUPPORT NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH BROTHER OR SISTER WITH DISABILITY

Abstract

There are many children with special needs whose siblings play an important role in their lives for a longer time than other family members. Longer life expectancy and the deepening of disabilities bring along a higher need of being taken care of. When the parents grow older it is often the siblings who become the caretakers. Meyer & Vadasy (2007) found that if siblings of children with SEN get proper support and information while growing up, the well-being of siblings with special needs also increases. Relationship with a sibling with special needs influences development of adaptability and self-esteem, this influence can be positive or negative (Burke, 2008). The parents of the children with SEN have many ways to receive information or help from the family – doctors, therapists, consultants, teachers, books, etc. The siblings in their turn usually get their information from the parents. (Conway & Meyer, 2008) Family members of different ages need different information. Therefore, there should be research on what kind of experiences do the siblings of the disabled child need, how their needs and well-being are guaranteed, and what kind of support they need. The aim of this study is to describe the experiences of brothers and sisters with siblings with special needs, try to understand their need for support, and find out the need for support groups and camps.