Caregiving Experiences and Outcomes: Wellness of Adult Siblings of People with Intellectual Disabilities

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this paper is to explore the wellness of adult siblings of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) related to caregiving experiences and outcomes, supports for siblings, gaps in the literature, and future directions to advance research in this area.Recent FindingsFindings are shared from the literature on caregiver experiences of adult siblings of people with ID with a specific focus on outcomes related to wellness. Overall, siblings of people with IDD have positive outcomes in childhood while increased anxiety may happen in adolescence; outcomes for adults are mixed and need greater exploration.SummaryFirst five outcome areas are described related to wellness of adult siblings of people with ID: (1) impact on health and well-being, (2) financial impact, (3) cultural context, (4) sibling relationship quality, and (5) future caregiving. Secondly, supports that enhance wellness for siblings of adults with ID are discussed including peer/emotional support and knowledge of services and supports. Thirdly, gaps are identified and critiqued with ideas shared about ways to address the gaps in future studies such as investing in interventions that include and target adult siblings of people with ID to enhance wellness. Finally, future directions are proposed to advance sibling disability research in order to improve the wellness of adult siblings of people with ID and their families, including the value of doing research with a Disability Studie...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - Category: Child Development Source Type: research