Step SiblingsFamily merging can create a whole new dynamic in established family hierarchies. Although the foundations of a person's identity are established between the ages of three and six, making them unlikely to change radically, they can be enhanced or embellished by these changes. An example of this would be a man with a seven and nine year old marrying a woman with a ten year old. The nine-year-old (formerly first-born) and the ten-year-old (formerly only-child) will now compete fiercely for the position of firstborn and as a result their respective characteristics are likely to become more evident. The youngest child will most likely become even more typically the last born. When children's birth order position becomes unclear, they are likely to become more assertive, sometimes even aggressive, regardless of their age (Blair, 2011, p. 147-148). Children with disabilities or special needs If a child has a disability they will usually need extra care and attention from their parents and in a sense they may become a “functional last born” (Blair, 2011, p. 127). However, these children are more affected by the symptoms of their particular disability, the way they are cared for, and the attitude of their parents or caregivers to their disability regarding their birth order. For example, a lastborn who was born with autism and Asperger's syndrome does not want to be the center of attention and instead prefers as little social interaction as possible, unlike other lastborns (Blair, 2011, p. 127). siblings of a disabled child will most likely be greatly affected. They are very likely to be thoughtful and thoughtful individuals, just like firstborns, regardless of their birth... middle of paper... it is not impossible to change, as if a person is introverted or extroverted and impulsive. or reflective. All of these things together are what help create who we are and why we are the way we are. The birth order theory has merit; however, it is only part of the story. Even Adler, the father of this theory, said: “It is not, obviously, the number of the child in the order of successive births that influences his characters, but the situation in which he is born and the way in which he interprets it” (Ansbacher, 1956, p. 377). Works CitedAnsbacher, H., & Ansbacher, R. (Eds.). (1956). The individual psychology of Alfred Adler: a systematic presentation in selections from his writings. (1st ed.). New York, NY: BasicBooks, Inc. Blair, L. (2011). Birth Order: What Your Position in the Family Really Tells You About Your Character. London, UK: Piatkus.