Caregivers' Encouragement Of Positive Interaction Between Preschoolers With Autism And Their Siblings

Abstract

This study represents an attempt to build a home-based intervention package wherein caregivers encourage positive interactions between young children with autism and their siblings. Using a previously validated, classroom-based social skills intervention package, caregivers in three homes were able to produce substantial improvements in sibling interactions. Social validation assessment revealed that the modified intervention package was easy and enjoyable to follow. Moreover, caregivers reported interest in continuing to use the package after study completion.

Social play skill enhancement of children with autism using peers and siblings as therapists

“…Results of the few studies using caregivers and typically developing siblings in the home setting have demonstrated that they can be effective as trainers and change agents in improving the social interactions between children with autism and their siblings (Strain & Danko, 1995;Strain, Kohler, Storey, & Danko, 1994). Such improvements have been demonstrated in both school and home settings following an intervention that provided adult prompting, edible reinforcement, and self-monitoring of social behaviors without adult reinforcement (Strain et al, 1994).…”

“…Family members have trained typically developing siblings to persistently engage in social overtures toward their sibling with autism using a previously validated, classroom-based social skills intervention package adapted for home use. This home-based intervention has resulted in increases in positive initiations and responses, as well as concurrent social behaviors (Strain & Danko, 1995).…”

“…It teaches children about social relationships and the consequences of social choices they make. Active peer engagement and social competence are "cornerstone" skills that lead to the acquisition of skills in many other domains (Strain & Danko, 1995). Social play deficits may lead to impairments in reciprocal social interaction, communication, and imagination.…”

Supporting positive sibling relationships during childhood

“…A different set of findings has emerged for siblings of children with autism. Children with autism and their siblings have been found to spend less time interacting together than typical siblings or siblings of children with Down syndrome [Knott et al, 1995;Strain and Danko, 1995]. Siblings in dyads with a child with autism produce a more limited range of social bids and respond less frequently to each other than children in dyads with a sibling with Down syndrome [Knott et al, 1995].…”

“…Powell et al [1983], for example, increased interactions between children with mental retardation and their siblings by teaching parents to increase their use of prompting and praise, as well as giving parents information about appropriate selection of social toys and arrangement of the play environment. Strain and Danko [1995] taught parents a set of prompts and play organizing skills, resulting in increased interactions between children with autism and their siblings. Parents reported that they enjoyed the intervention, thought that the children enjoyed it, and intended to continue using the strategies after data collection ended.…”