Scoping review on the application of sibling-mediated interventions among children with neurodevelopmental disorders

ZHOU Qiao; WENG Jin; LIU Sijia; YANG Jian

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-1139

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (9) : 1029-1035. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-1139

Review

Scoping review on the application of sibling-mediated interventions among children with neurodevelopmental disorders

ZHOU Qiao^1,2, WENG Jin^1,2, LIU Sijia^1,2,3, YANG Jian^1,2

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Abstract

Objective To systematically synthesize the current applications, implementation components, and effects of sibling-mediated interventions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, so as to provide guidance for rehabilitation practice and future research. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and the VIP Database were searched from inception to April 2025. Eligible studies were screened, and data concerning intervention duration, implementation approaches, effects, and outcome assessment instruments were extracted. Results A total of 38 studies were included, most of which involved children with autism spectrum disorder (n=34). Siblings participated as intervention agents (n=25), behavioral models (n=8), or companions throughout the intervention process (n=8). Sibling-training strategies included in-person training (n=16), video-based learning (n=5), and blended approaches (n=5). Interventions primarily focused on social interaction (n=25), verbal communication (n=12), academic tasks (n=6), and daily living skills (n=6). Outcomes assessed effects on children with neurodevelopmental disorders (n=38), typically developing siblings (n=24), and sibling dyadic interactions (n=27). Outcome measures encompassed objective behavioral indicators, developmental competencies, and subjective family experiences. Conclusions The majority of the included studies reported improvements in social interaction and adaptive behaviors among children with neurodevelopmental disorders following sibling-mediated interventions, as well as positive outcomes for typically developing siblings and family-level interactions. Future research should focus on establishing a standardized system and developing culturally adapted, tiered intervention models tailored to Chinese family contexts.

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sibling-mediated intervention / children with neurodevelopmental disorders / autism spectrum disorder / scoping review

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ZHOU Qiao, WENG Jin, LIU Sijia, YANG Jian. Scoping review on the application of sibling-mediated interventions among children with neurodevelopmental disorders[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(9): 1029-1035 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-1139

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