I grew up with a sister who has Down Syndrome. She is the youngest child of 5 of us, and the rest of us are all at least 10 years older than she is. So we did not have a sense of competition for our parents' attention, or sibling rivalry. We were more like "mini-parents" to her. Because of the inspiration of working with her, I became a special education teacher, and all of my other siblings probably became more empathetic with people who are out of the mainstream in one way or another.
So I look on my experience as a strong positive in my life.
On the other hand, as a special education teacher, I have seen many instances in which the siblings of the child with special needs are getting short-changed. Often the parents are focused on the child with disabilities, and the typically developing kids can feel as if they are less important to the parents. Especially when the siblings are close in age, parents need to be sure that they are not only giving the typically developing kids plenty of positive attention; they also need to give the siblings freedom to express their frustrations. All of us get annoyed with our brothers and sisters - it's part of life. But sometimes kids are told that they need to understand that "sissy can't help it." That's true when "sissy" is unable to communicate verbally, but it's not true when "sissy" is pinching and scratching. A child should not have to patiently accept victimization from a sibling who has special needs. And a child should not have to take on so much responsibility for helping a sibling with a disability that the sense of resentment overpowers the sense of love.
It is a very delicate balancing act. It can be a wonderful and spiritually uplifting experience to grow up with a sibling who has a disability. Many siblings - like me and one of my other sisters - grow up to work in a "helping" profession, because we understand first-hand that all people are "people first." But it can also be a situation that makes the siblings feel less cared for by the parents and resentful of the child with special needs.
There are often "sibling support groups" available, which can be very helpful. The Arc, Easter Seals, and United Cerebral Palsy are resources for referral to such groups.
2007-02-11 06:56:07
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answer #1
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answered by sonomanona 6
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I don't like the term mental retardation, it is wrong, cruel and offensive. People who's intelligence may not be similar to siblings or peers does have an affect but most people I know who have learning difficulties and have physical, psyclogical and also neurological problems due to an altered mental state has had an impact withn their family but the family loves them and would treat them the same as their siblings. But don't ever use the word retardation again!
2007-02-11 03:48:59
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answer #2
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answered by tfoster14uk 2
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They don't use the word mental retardation anymore, it is intellectual disability or in the school system it could be a child with an exceptionality.
I think they can have both a positive or negative affect on siblings depending on how the parents deal with the situation. It teaches the other children, empathy, and non judemental values.
2007-02-11 03:40:05
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answer #3
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answered by Midwest 6
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Made my other kids more appreaciative of their abilities.
Other than that...their just siblings. They fight, argue, annoy each other, get in each others space, etc...just like normal siblings.
Oh and in response to TFOSTER 14.
Mental Retardation is 2 of my son's official diagnosis. The word "retarded" is used by a lot of kid/teens as a derogatory comment, and is just as bad as using any other slur. But...."retardation" is medical term, so you need to get over your hang up about it.
One of my son's with retardation, actually used the word directed to his little brother, who is NOT retarded!
You see....my sons' never had a hangup about the word, because I never made an issue over it. It's just their diagnosis, not something they are called.
All the diagnosis means is that the brains develoment was "retarded" which means slowed or stopped.
That is why only those under 18 can get that diagnosis.
So....don't be offended, I'm not.
From...a mom of 2 mentally retarded sons, and one not retarded son, and one not retarded daughter.
2007-02-13 06:20:33
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Most families with "special needs" children produce typical children with a greater sense of empathy and goodness. It may be surprising but kids with special needs bring a lot more benefits to a family than the negative. I can tell you 1st hand that it can be tough on siblings when younger. Having to defend them from jerks and bullies but at the same time creating stronger family bonds and stronger character in the "normal" sibling.
2007-02-11 03:27:48
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answer #5
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answered by Rayca 2
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I have seen that children with disability do have an impact on their siblings. The siblings do become more understanding and do provide a lot of support. It also depends on the parents' attitude. The siblings have more empathy and they help out more.
2007-02-11 01:40:46
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answer #6
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answered by namkav 1
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No, chocolate does not cause mental retardation, but you should be careful how much you each because the caffine in the chocolate can have negative effects on you and baby.
2016-05-25 10:19:36
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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What is your question?
2007-02-11 01:10:40
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Thats you?
2007-02-11 01:09:41
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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negative and destructive.
2007-02-11 01:14:15
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answer #10
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answered by rufus 2
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