By ROBIN MARTIN

When Kelly Willett first attended BYU, she wasn't as happy as she expected to be.

Willett realized she missed serving her brother, Mason, who has mental and physical disabilities.

Because of Willett's experiences with Mason, she said she believes information found by BYU researchers is important.

Faculty from the School of Family Life conducted research that shows children with disabled siblings are doing better in some social skills than kids in normal families, said Susanne Olsen, associate professor of marriage, family and human development.

"This study is an example of how research being done is adapting to the changing social view," Olsen said.

The researchers tried not to focus the research on the idea that it is an overwhelming negative experience to have a disabled child in the home. They focused on what the siblings gain from the experience, in addition to the challenges, Olsen said.

As part of the study, children were asked open-ended questions such as, "What is the hardest thing about living with your [disabled] brother or sister today?" Then they were asked to write in a diary about their experience that day.

"Looking at the entries we found about 22 percent will say 'nothing,'" Olsen said. "So I don't think it is an overwhelming negative experience for them."

Willett said she also has gained social skills because of Mason.

"I am used to taking care of Mason and looking out for him," Willett said. "When I interact with other people I don't just think how I can benefit, but what I can do for them."

Another benefit Willett attributes to Mason is the unity of her family.

"We are his only social interaction, and he depends on the whole family," Willett said. "He wants you to be happy. The only time I have seen Mason upset is when our family is fighting."

Erica Iverson, a nutrition science major from Argyle, Texas, also has a younger brother with disabilities. Her brother, Daniel, 6, is autistic.

"Daniel came and turned our world upside down," Iverson said. "The most positive thing our family has gained is how close we are."

Iverson said she believes the only way someone can have an understanding of what it is like to have a disabled sibling, is to experience a disabled individual in their life.

"People say, 'Oh I'm glad I'm not them,'" Iverson said. "But others who have experienced an individual with disabilities say, 'Wow they are really blessed, their family is really close.'"

Olsen said the family can receive help and support from various groups.

"The resources a family has to draw on will make a difference on how well they adapt to having a child with a disability," she said. "Resources such as a good family support system or a social support system, such as a religious group, help families adapt better."

Willets said having a family member with a disability has been a great blessing in her life.

"People are so blessed to have a person with a disability in their lives," Willett said. "A lot of people don't realize that, because they are ignorant to what a disability is and how it affects family life."

One of the biggest blessing Willett said she has in her life is her brother Mason.

"I think at BYU more people see it [having a disabled sibling] as a positive experience because of the religious culture," Willett said.

Willet said she believes the reason the social view is changing is because, "People with disabilities don't want to be singled out. They want to be integrated into the workforce and society; they don't want to be looked at as a disabled person."



Copyright Brigham Young University 18 Nov 2003