A review of the literature on siblings of individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Abstract

Siblings of individuals with severe intellectual disability are underrepresented in research, yet they are simultaneously an at-risk population and a crucial population in terms of future planning (Heller & Arnold, 2010; Rossetti & Hall, 2015). This review systematically summarizes the literature with the goals of (1) characterizing the state of the literature on this subpopulation, (2) identifying evidence for differential impacts and needs in this subpopulation as compared to the umbrella population of siblings of individuals with IDD, and (3) identifying future directions researchers should take to determine the implications of these differential impact(s), should they exist. Results suggest that the research is inconclusive in many domains, but increased likelihood of negative outcomes and increased caregiving responsibilities across the lifespan are supported. Limitations include underreporting of severity and sample biases. Implications for sibling wellbeing and future planning are discussed.