Living with disability : a sociological inquiry of the lived experiences of adults who grew up in exceptional families

Abstract

This qualitative study analyzes the narratives of young adults who have experienced growing up with a cognitively impaired child. It sheds light unto the exceptional experience these siblings have gone through. While there is much research from the perspective of parents reflecting on the family, this inquiry draws upon the perspective of the non disabled sibling. The rationale for this inquiry has its roots in a determination to understand potentially complicated sibling relationships connected to a specific family dynamic. This research study took a qualitative approach, in depth interviews and narratives provided by fifteen participants. This was carried out in order to capture the true essence of the lived experience. Findings suggest that the experience of growing up with a disabled sibling is highly context bound and that the valency of this experience relatively concerns the parents' handling of the situation. Siblings of a disabled brother or sister often perceive their families as ordinary and 'normal' despite extraordinary experiences.