Die Notwendigkeit von Unterstützungsangeboten für Geschwister von chronisch kranken und/ oder behinderten Kindern : eine retrospektive Einschätzung der Betroffenen

Introduction: It is a big challenge that devolopes in a family with the birth ofdisabled or handycapped child. The siblings of the disabled or handicapped child aredealt with issues like sufferings, sickness, weakness and even death. Furthermorethey have to take part in assisting and care of the disabled or challenged child. Theexperience they make as they grow up with a disabled or handycapped sibling is aburden more than a challenge lies on the support service options they are entitled.The choices are from the representatives of social organisations to professional help.Aim of this work is to analyse the necessity of support services for the siblings of thedisabled or handycapped child. To achieve this, a retrospective analysis of the peoplewho were affected by such a situation is necessary.Material and Methods: Structured, guidelined, problem centered personnalinterviews with affected siblings. The method was chosen against the background ofadequate affected siblings with necessary informations, knowledge and experience.Nine interviewees were selected and requested for cooperation per e-mail. FourInterviews were done personnally and five through telephone.Result: All the interviewees had disabled or handicapped or diseased siblings. Someof the interviewees knew there was something not in order with thier sibling beforethier preschool age. Some of them noticed thier siblings as "different" through theinteractions with other schoolmates. All the interviewees except the ones who werementally challenged siblings were well informed by their parents about the situation.The limitations of the siblings were very complex. The interviewees had a lot oflimitations and obligations for themselves because of the disability of their siblings.All but one of the interviewees could atleast think of one nice experience with thiermentally or physically challenged sibling. There was also negative experiences withanxiety, anger and rag