Özel gereksinimli kardeşi olan tipik gelişim gösteren bireylerin ebeveynleşme deneyimi

Systemic perspective seeks to understand the reason of parentification, why it appears in the moment and what function it contains for the family. The purpose of the study is to explore the caregiving experiences of young adult siblings with typical development of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disabilities (ID). These experiences are interpreted using the systemic theory, ecological systems theory and the term parentification. The results indicate that young adult siblings with typical development experience parentification towards their siblings with special needs as well as to their parents. According to the emerged themes, the siblings with typical development perceive both positive aspects of parentification such as a strong sibling relationship, a special communication, developing empathy skills whereas challenging aspects of parentification such as sacrificing their own needs. Siblings of typical development who have families that lack a sufficient support from each parent show parentification towards their parents as well. Additionally, having a sibling with special needs have effects on future expectations such as roles in couple relationships, spousal choice, having a child. In conclusion, siblings with typical development experience parentification by caregiving their sibling with special needs and their parents. The experience of parentification has influences on a wide area of their life. Further research should be conducted with a larger number of people and higher number of siblings to understand the gender effect on the caregiving practices.