Emotional-Behavioral Disorders in Healthy Siblings of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Its Impact on Family-Special Education Centers, Lahore, Pakistan

Introduction: Globally, the increasing rates of childhood mental health disorders have raised serious concerns. The typically developing siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders are vulnerable to behavioral problems as they grow up in a stressful environment. The uneven cognitive development and maladaptive behavior of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, place significant stress not only on parents but also on the healthy siblings who are growing up alongside them in a stressful environment. Purpose of study: The objectives of the study were to assess the emotional and behavioral disorder in healthy siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) and to examine their correlation with family life. Research methodology: A correlational study involving 204 participants utilized a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected from parents, who had both children with neurodevelopmental disorders and healthy children, through a structured questionnaire, at government special education centers of Lahore, Pakistan. Results: The results indicated that healthy siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders had emotional and behavioral problems. Statistically significant positive correlation was also found between healthy siblings' emotional and behavioral disorders and their family life. Conclusion: The majority of healthy siblings living with children having ND indicating significant level of problems in their emotions and behaviors. Clinical and policy measures recommended to ensure the well-being of healthy siblings living with children having neurodevelopmental disorders, mainly through appropriate coping training of healthy sibling.