A scoping review of cross-cultural experiences of siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States.

Eun and colleagues searched U.S. databases for studies on brothers and sisters of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They kept only papers that also talked about race, language, or immigration status. Eight studies met the cut.

The team mapped how culture shaped sibling stress, homework help, and future caregiving plans.

Culture colored every part of sibling life. Latino and Asian families often expected the sister to become the next caregiver. White families talked more about paid staff and respite.

Schools that ignored these values left siblings feeling torn between home and the classroom. Emotional stress was highest when teachers set goals that clashed with family beliefs.

Gonzalo et al. (2024) looked at 21 college-inclusion studies and found the same gap: supports sound good on paper but miss family values in real life. The two reviews together say, 'Check culture first, then write the plan.'

Sheridan et al. (2013) surveyed British teens and saw harsher stigma in South Asian students. Eun’s U.S. siblings echo that pattern: culture can tighten or loosen expectations.

Whaling et al. (2025) built a new Spanish quality-of-life index that weighs emotional wellbeing and self-determination. Their tool gives you a ready-made way to act on Eun’s warning that feelings differ by culture.

Before you pick goals or train parents, ask the brother or sister, 'What does your family expect you to do after mom can’t?' Record the answer in their home language. Use the new Spanish QoLI-PE or simply add a culture page to your FBA. One extra conversation can stop a treatment plan from colliding with family duty.