Sibling relationships are usually the longest-lasting relationships in an individual’s life. They are recognised as being important throughout the life span, contributing to cognitive and social development during childhood and providing emotional and practical support in adulthood.
This relationship has been largely overlooked in the research with families in which there is a child with Down syndrome. Both the individual with Down syndrome and their brothers/sisters are likely to be influenced by their siblings and to be an influence on them in return. To understand these reciprocal influences, the areas of development (e.g., language and understanding of others) that may be impacted by siblings, with and without Down syndrome, remain to be established.
In addition, the ways (processes) this impact occurs need to be examined. There is potential to support these processes, and thus enhance developmental outcomes for both those with Down syndrome and their brothers/sisters.
This presentation will discuss the research that does exist and identify important but neglected areas of research that could illuminate ways to promote positive outcomes for both individuals with Down syndrome and their brothers/sisters.
Monica Cuskelly is currently Professor and Research Director of the Applied Research Centre for Disability and Wellbeing, a joint initiative of the University of Tasmania and Possability Group (a service organisation working with people with disability). Prior to joining the University of Tasmania, she had been at The University of Queensland where she was Director of the Down Syndrome Research Program (2003-2016). Her PhD focussed on siblings of children with Down syndrome, which has remained an area of continuing interest. She has also studied the development of individuals with Down syndrome, including cognitive and language development, motivation and self-regulation. Recently, she has investigated the impact of siblings on the development of children with autism, a study which is ongoing, and she is also conducting work in the area of loneliness of people with intellectual disability. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia,
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