The Impact of Cerebral Palsy on Siblings

Abstract

Cerebral palsy causes significant challenges and unique opportunities not only for the individuals with the diagnosis but also for their siblings. Siblings of individuals with cerebral palsy are often resilient and empathetic due to their life experiences, but across their life-span, they may also face unique challenges. Some of these challenges may include emotional stress and added responsibilities from a young age as well as caregiving and the emotional and financial burden that may present. The diagnosis of a disability affects them just as much as it affects the parents and individual with the diagnosis. Despite this fact, the needs of the neurotypical siblings are often overlooked by healthcare providers. Though research on sibling issues is becoming more common, the research is often limited by size, and results vary. This chapter will analyze the research literature that has been performed and discuss the benefits and challenges of having a sibling with cerebral palsy across the life-span. The chapter includes testimonies from siblings themselves, used with permission by the Sibling Support Project.