{
  "abstract": "Introduction Post-lockdown research has highlighted the prevalence of loneliness and sleep problems, particularly among neurodivergent individuals and their families. This study aims to explore the experiences of loneliness and sleep disturbances in siblings of neurodivergent young people, hypothesising that these siblings face unique challenges impacting their sleep and social well-being.Methods Thirty-eight young siblings (Mage = 16.41, 68.4% female) of neurodivergent individuals participated in an online survey. The survey included questions on sleep patterns, feelings of loneliness, and daytime functioning, along with qualitative questions to capture personal experiences and suggestions for support.Results Thematic analysis revealed that siblings’ sleep was disrupted by personal anxieties and their neurodivergent siblings’ parasomnias. Loneliness was characterised by a perceived lack of understanding and empathy from society, a sense of solitary responsibility, accelerated maturity compared to peers, and feelings of emptiness. Participants suggested ways schools and society could better support them. Limitations of the study include a small sample size and uneven representation of gender and disability groups.Discussion This preliminary study underscores the need for a holistic and personalised approach to healthcare that includes social and psychological support for both neurodivergent and neurotypical siblings. Addressing the unique sleep and social needs of these siblings is crucial for their overall well-being.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The Sleep Charity"
      ],
      "name": "Vicki Beevers"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "UCL, Doncaster, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Georgia G Pavlopoulou"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "UCL, Doncaster, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Elizabeth Sim"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Edinburgh"
      ],
      "name": "Maria Gardani"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Sibs"
      ],
      "name": "Clare Kassa"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The Sleep Charity"
      ],
      "name": "Vassillis Sideropoulos"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P1 ‘Who listens to the listener, who cares for the carer?’ A cross-sectional study of social connectedness and sleep experiences of young siblings of neurodivergent people",
  "uid": "7fca7265-ee3b-5192-ac0a-94c1fd83ecbd"
}