The Journey to Explore Sibling Relationships in Four Families Having Children with Intellectual Disabilities

[[abstract]]In this qualitative study, I took a journey to explore sibling relationships in four families having children with intellectual disabilities. The data was collected in eight months mainly from in-depth interviews with four normally developing siblings, one from each family, and life stories were reported in thick description. The conclusions of this study were as follows: (1) Sibling relationships in these four families were similar to those in ordinary families, but differences still could be identified. Normally developing siblings had experienced unequal exchange of affection and thoughts with their brother or sister with intellectual disabilities, competed for attention and equal love from their parents, and could not evade responsibilities to care for their disabled siblings. (2) Sibling relationships in these four cases had developed in a similar way which siblings stayed close in early childhood and later years of life, however, they tied to each other earlier after parent’s death. Normally developing siblings played important roles in all stage of life for persons with intellectual disabilities. (3) It’s important for parents to guide their children especially in the early childhood for building warm sibling relationships. Close relationships between parents and normally developing children could facilitate the interaction with their disabled siblings. (4) To be the siblings of the intellectually disabled, all cases had experienced psychological adjustments and confronted with difficulties when they took more care responsibility for their disabled siblings. Based on the findings of the study, I raise questions and give my thoughts on some issues for readers, and offer suggestions for policy makers, parents, and teachers.