Discover Our Research
The studies this project has conducted
Featured research studies
We reviewed international literature and found that siblings who had a brother or sister with a neurodevelopmental condition consistently had higher risks of psychiatric conditions, especially anxiety and depression, and poorer quality of life. But there was also clear evidence for sibling resilience and growth.
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A recent review we conducted showed that siblings who participated in support groups or individualised interventions improved on self-esteem, coping, sibling relationships, and knowledge of their sibling’s disability. Unfortunately, there were not large improvements seen for symptoms of anxiety, depression, or quality of life. More research is needed on the best way to support these siblings.
Read more about the studyWe asked siblings to identify personal qualities and future aspirations. Siblings told us they valued their positive personality traits such as kindness and empathy, their social skills, mental and physical health, creative pursuits, and self-awareness.
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Further publications
Individual-Level Risk and Resilience Factors Associated with Mental Health in Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Our large-scale online survey showed that siblings of people with neurodevelopmental conditions reported higher rates of anxiety and depression, when compared to siblings of people without neurodevelopmental conditions. They also reported poorer sleep.
Read more about the studyHere’s what some of our Down Syndrome WA Sibling Camp participants said about getting the opportunity to meet other people who have a brother or sister with Down syndrome:
“Connecting with others is already valuable, but connecting with others similar to you helps recognise yourself in others and vice versa... I also like making friends” (aged 16)
“Mentorship, new friendship connections, learning from each other...” (aged 12)
“… siblings have pretty similar experiences and it's important to celebrate and recognise how awesome it is to have a disabled sibling when the world has a tendency to look at disability with pity” (aged 16)
Stability and change in self-reported risk and resilience factors associated with mental health of siblings of individuals with and without neurodevelopmental conditions over 15 months
We tracked siblings of children with neurodevelopmental conditions, and found that high rates of mental health diagnoses and symptoms of poor wellbeing remained after 15 months, especially anxiety and depression. Sleep problems appeared to play a key role in predicting poorer wellbeing at the time of follow-up.
Read more about the studyNeurocognitive and self-reported psychosocial and behavioral functioning in siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions
We used unique methods to measure and analyse sibling executive functioning (skills like working memory, attention, and flexible thinking). We found that overall, siblings of children with neurodevelopmental conditions have poorer executive functioning when compared to controls.
Read more about the studyHow would you describe your sibling in 3 words?
Here’s how some young people described their sibling with Down syndrome to us
Psychosocial and neurocognitive correlates of suicidal thoughts and behaviours amongst siblings of persons with and without neurodevelopmental conditions
When compared to a control group, our research has shown that siblings of children with neurodevelopmental conditions experience higher rates of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts.
Read more about the studyDown syndrome or Rett syndrome in the family: Parental reflections on sibling experience
Parents of children and young adults with Rett syndrome or Down syndrome told us that siblings develop positive personality traits, have rich relationships, and have optimistic outlooks. Some parents perceived they had reduced time available for siblings, and sometimes faced challenges organising family holidays.
Read more about the studyWhat three words would you use to describe your relationship with your sibling with Down syndrome?
Self-Reported Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Biopsychosocial Risk Factors in Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions
The are many things that increase the risk of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and influence the outcomes that follow. Our research has shown that the siblings of children with neurodevelopmental conditions were more likely to report a history of traumatic brain injury when compared to controls, and this was associated with siblings having a psychiatric diagnosis or other conditions (such as autistic and ADHD traits).
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