Abstract
64 Greek cerebral palsied children, aged 2 to 13, and their siblings were observed in a semi-structured play situation at home and their behaviours were compared to those of matched control dyads. The sample was divided into four groups based on the age and birth order of the disabled children. Compared to controls, disabled children were passive and lacking in assertiveness. Their siblings were correspondingly more directive, with younger siblings being obliged to take on a leadership role to fill the "vacuum" created by the deficits of the older disabled child. Interaction in handicap dyads was predominantly hierarchical in nature with disabled children assuming the role of the younger child regardless of their birth order. Control dyads were more egalitarian, with members taking turns in initiating the interaction. Maternal intervention was highest in handicap dyads, particularly among younger groups where social skills were poorly developed. Maternal interviews and adjustment ratings for all children were also obtained. Compared to controls, handicap families experienced pronounced social isolation and a restricted range of activities and the impact of the disabled child was largely negatively evaluated. Ratings of poor adjustment were higher for disabled children but this was at least partly attributable to their physical dependence. Ratings were similar for young siblings but, after the age of 6, 40% of siblings of disabled children versus 18% of controls were rated maladjusted. This was probably due to the fact that, compared with controls, siblings of the disabled experienced many more restrictions and responsibilities, but might also be due to the older siblings' increased awareness of the social stigma of handicap. Finally, teacher ratings and observational data from a special school setting were obtained for a small sample (N=14) of matched cerebral palsied siblings and singletons. Results provided some indications of better adjustment for siblings and lower involvement for singletons.