Seeing the invisible children and young people affected by disability

This paper presents a brief review of literature relating to children in fa milies with a disabled member, including the 'young carers' and disability studies literature, and relevant works from the social psychology and socio logy of childhood. Key themes identified in the literature are then illustr ated by findings from two exploratory research studies that sought to explo re the experiences and service needs of children in families with a disable d member, within two Scottish areas. The authors suggest that, although you ng people affected by disability in the family, including young carers, fac e significant problems, particularly in socially disadvantaged areas, there are other issues that need to be addressed. Alternative conceptual framewo rks are proposed, which challenge the dominance of the young carers researc h paradigm.