Effect on Siblings. Siblings of ADHD children have particular difficulties, and are also at risk for psychologic impairment, depression, drug abuse, and language disorders. The non-ADHD sibling does not have the control a parent does in the management of the ADHD child's behavior and is very likely to feel alienated and alone. Non-ADHD children are often victimized by ADHD siblings who may be demanding or bullying.
A sibling who is not given attention in his or her own right may begin to imitate undesirable behaviors or to act out negatively in other ways. It is very important to make the brothers and sisters equally vital to the family's functioning. It should be strongly emphasized, however, that their value in the family should never be as fellow-caregivers of the ADHD sibling.
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