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developmentally overtakes the older sibling with disabilities and
becomes “bigger” and more mature.
The intensity of the sibling connection becomes greater as
parents are less available due to the crisis and the great burden
of raising a child with disabilities. These erode the parents’
ability to satisfy the needs of all their children.
According to some research studies, many siblings struggle
with difficult emotions, thoughts and worries, more than they let
show. Feelings of anger and embarrassment, at the root of
which lie guilt and shame, may leave the sibling feeling very
much alone. The sibling may also experience feelings of
compassion, pride and love, which are easier for the sibling to
express and for the environment to accept. Other studies show
that siblings of children with special needs demonstrate more
positive behaviors and interactions than children without
siblings with special needs. The positive aspect includes higher
levels of empathy and altruism, tolerance of individual
differences, greater maturity and personal responsibility (Powell
& Ogle, 1985).
Familial and parental variables impact heavily on siblings. The
most significant of these are: the level of acceptance, the level
of familial solidarity and integration, the effectiveness of the
family’s support system and its extent, the family’s type of
communication – enabling or blocking emotional expression.
At times, the feelings around them are a kind of a “secret”, and
the general goal of the treatment is to resolve and release the
energies invested in guarding it. Treatment depends also on the
complexity of the problems the siblings experience, their age,
their cognitive level, wisdom and insight and the availability of
different therapy options.
2.
Special siblinghood in the social space
Siblings of children with disabilities encounter the stigmas
prevalent in society regarding people with disabilities that arise
from ignorance, lack of information and knowledge. The