‘Who Listens to the Listener, Who Cares for the Carer?’ A Cross-Sectional Study of Social Connectedness and Sleep Experiences of Young Siblings of Neurodivergent People

Abstract

Background

A growing body of research postlockdown has established that loneliness and sleep problems are prominent in the life of all people and in particular in neurodivergent people and their parents/carers. The present study explores the experience of loneliness and sleep in siblings of neurodivergent young people.

Methods

Thirty-eight (n = 38) young siblings (M_age = 16.41, 68.4% female) completed an online survey on sleep, loneliness and daytime functioning, answering a set of qualitative questions.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed that their sleep was affected by personal anxieties and neurodivergent siblings' parasomnias. Definition of loneliness included perceived lack of understanding and empathy in wider society, assuming a lonesome responsibility, growing up faster than peers and an emptiness within and without. Siblings provided brief contributions on how schools and the wider society can help them. Limitations include small sample size and an uneven representation of gender and disability groups in the sample. Recommendations for school and societal support are also discussed.

Conclusion

This preliminary exploration helped define their caring responsibilities, social connectedness and sleep needs. Our findings call for a holistic and personalised approach to healthcare, including social and psychological support, for the whole family including neurodivergent and neurotypical siblings.