Futures planning, parental expectations and sibling concern for people who have a learning disability

Abstract

A questionnaire was e-mailed to 200 siblings on the Sibs database to explore future plans, parental expectations and sibling concerns regarding people who have a learning disability; 21 questionnaires were returned. A full discussion regarding sibling support was reported by 12 (57%) of respondents; 7 (33%) stated this discussion had not taken place, and 2 (9%) were unsure. Twelve (57%) of participants reported no clear future plan; where a plan did exist, seven (33%) of respondents claimed it was fully agreeable to both them and their parents. Eleven (52%) of respondents reported no difference between their wishes regarding their future role and parental wishes. Key themes generated were: satisfaction with services, parental influence, sibling concern about the future, futures planning, the impact of the disabled person upon sibling lives, and siblings needs. Further qualitative exploration into issues for siblings of adults who have a learning disability is required.