Degree of Ambulatory Disability: Effects on Rural Siblings¹ Social Development

This study examined the effects of degree of ambulatory disability on the social development of nondisabled siblings. Using the Schwirian Interview Schedule, the four areas of sibling social development examined were (a) general home responsibilities, (b) child care responsibilities, (c) independence, and (d) social activity. Twenty-two mothers of children with varying degrees of ambulatory disability and 33 nondisabled siblings from rural southeast Louisiana participated. The results yielded a significant difference only in siblings' social activity as reported by the mothers. Mothers' reports indicated this to be a sensitive issue, which suggested mothers make conscious efforts to avoid adverse effects on siblings' social development.