Perspectives of Young Adults With Mild Intellectual Disabilities on the Role Their Siblings Play in Shaping Self-Determination and Independence.

The study aimed to identify the perceived role and significance of typically developing siblings in the emergence of self-determination in their brothers/sisters with intellectual disabilities. The study material consisted of information from individuals with intellectual disabilities. The analytical method relied on grounded theory methodology procedures. Three main themes were identified in what young adults with mild intellectual disabilities shared about their typically developing siblings: attitude toward self-determination, the degree of involvement in and influence on the self-determination process and the level of (mis)alignment with the parental approach in this regard. The results of this study show how young adults with intellectual disabilities perceive the role of their siblings in their pursuit of self-determination. The individuals with intellectual disabilities were demonstrated to be empowered to express their views, provided they had the right conditions and were given adequate opportunities.