When One Sibling has Autism: Adjustment and Sibling Relationship.
Jones, E.A., Fiani, T., Stewart, J.L. Sheikh, R., Neil, N. & Daniel M Fienup (2019).
Journal of Child and Family Studies 28, 1272–1282
ABSTRACT
Objectives: The presence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in one sibling can impact typically developing (TD) siblings’ adjustment and quality of the sibling relationship. The present study examined the impact of sibling characteristics on both the sibling relationship and adjustment in TD siblings using self, parent, and clinician reports.
Methods: Fifty-two TD siblings and parents completed questionnaires about TD sibling adjustment and sibling relationship quality.
Results: Greater behavior difficulties in siblings with ASD related to poorer TD sibling adjustment and quality of the sibling relationship. A more positive TD sibling perception of the sibling relationship was associated with greater TD sibling coping and support.
Conclusions: Findings are discussed in terms of how these risk factors can inform interventions.
