Support Needs and Available Resources for School-Aged Siblings of Children With Disabilities: A Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to provide insight into the support needs of siblings (6-12 years) of children with intellectual disabilities and/or visual impairments, and in the match with sibling support resources that are available in the Netherlands and Belgium.

METHOD: Semi-structured interviews about support needs were conducted with 13 siblings. A grey document review identified 255 organisations and 134 books, texts and media sources that offer (indirect) support to siblings. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data and found resources.

RESULTS

Siblings described diverse challenges and support needs, such as social and emotional support, receiving quality time and attention, and contact with peers. The found resources were fragmented, mainly focused on a broader target group, and only partially matched siblings' needs. Some support needs, such as learning to deal with their siblings' behaviour, were insufficiently addressed.

CONCLUSION

These insights can help better align sibling support needs with available resources.