Family relationships of young people with disability from young people’s perspective: a scoping review

Family relationships are critical sources of support for young people with disability as they transition to adulthood. However, limited research has examined the experiences of young people with disability, with most studies relying on proxy reports from parents or siblings. This scoping review explored relationships with parents and siblings from the perspectives of young people with disability, drawing on nineteen studies identified through six databases. Overall, relationships were described as positive and supportive, but challenges such as overprotection, restricted autonomy, and feelings of exclusion were commonly reported, often leading to strained relationships. Young people with disability often relied heavily on family for practical, informational, emotional, and social support, which sometimes contributed to social isolation. This review underscores the need for further research, particularly longitudinal studies, studies exploring sibling relationships and parent-child dyads, differences by disability type and developmental stage between adolescence and adulthood, and studies in the Global South contexts. Point of interest1. This article summarises 19 studies on family relationships of young people with disability from their own perspectives. 2. All studies focused on parent relationships and four also examined sibling relationships. 3. Young people with disability generally reported their family relationships as close, positive, enjoyable and supportive. 4. There were also strains and conflicts in their family relationships. For instance, young people with disability reported that parents treat them differently from their siblings, overprotect them, or restrict their freedom and independence. 5. This research is important, because it can help us understand the complex experiences of family relationship for young people with disability from their own perspectives.