Siblings of emotionally disturbed children
Having an emotionally disturbed child in a family means a heavy burden, to which everyone reacts in a different way. This hardship can cause desintegrational consequences under which all members of the family suffer. In social treatment it is important to evaluate early in the process whether the existing desintegration is brought about by the above-mentioned problems, or by underlying roots. The approach depends on that. Siblings mostly suffer tremendously under the for them uncomprehensible behaviour of the emotionally disturbed child. The difference in their reactions upon it depends on various factors: e.g. rankorder, facilities, extra familial support. It seems most important not to exclude the siblings in the treatmentplan in order to prevent a permanent damage.