Supporting Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Research studies have shown the importance of early intervention services for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. However, most attention has been given to the effectiveness of treatments solely for children with ASDs. Because the family centered practice has been emphasized and supported by many researchers and legislation, involving family members other than children with ASDs and their parents in the assessing, planning, and implementing interventions is seen as crucial. The purpose of this article is to review what sibling relationships look like for a typically developing sibling of a child with an ASD and what resources are available for parents and specialists to support siblings of children with ASDs.

Patterns of Adult Sibling Role Involvement with Brothers and Sisters with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

“…The most frequently assumed roles by adult siblings were friend (social partner), advocate, caregiver, and sibling (mentor/teacher). These results largely confirm prior findings indicating that siblings currently assumed and/or planned to assume advocacy, caregiving, and teaching roles in the future (Burke, Arnold et al, 2015;Burke, Fish et al, 2015;Heller & Arnold, 2010;Kramer et al, 2013;Tsao et al, 2012;Tzuriel and Hanuka-Levy, 2014). The remaining role of being a friend has been studied predominantly among younger siblings with emphasis on the likelihood that siblings are their brother or sister's first, and sometimes only, social partner (Aksoy & Yildirim, 2008;Floyd et al, 2009;Knott, Lewis, & Williams, 2007;Rimmerman & Raif, 2001).…”

“…Indeed, siblings anticipate taking over greater responsibility in their brothers and sisters' lives, and they often become involved in some capacity as the primary caregiver or as a team member overseeing direct supports when parents can no longer do so (Heller & Arnold, 2010;Heller & Kramer, 2009;Hodapp, Urbano, & Burke, 2010;Rawson, 2009). Siblings of those with IDD frequently assume significant roles in their brothers and sisters' lives as caregivers (Burke, Fish, & Lawton, 2015;Heller & Arnold, 2010), advocates (Burke, Arnold, & Owen, 2015;Kramer, Hall, & Heller, 2013), and teachers (Tsao, Davenport, & Schmiege, 2012;Tzuriel and Hanuka-Levy, 2014). Despite the prevalence of current and anticipated future involvement in their brothers and sisters' lives, adult siblings continue to indicate a need for more information about adult supports and services, and a desire to engage in networking with other adult siblings (Arnold, Heller, & Kramer, 2012;Heller & Kramer, 2009;Holl & Morano, 2014).…”

Siblings of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Theoretical Perspectives on Sibling Relationships and Individual Adjustment

“…Indeed, studies have focused increasingly on the experiences of youth with ASDSibs, with some extending to adult TDSibs (Orsmond & Seltzer, 2007a). Suggestive of the breadth of interest, this work has been reviewed in disciplines including nursing (Smith & Elder, 2010), psychology (Orsmond & Seltzer, 2007b; Shivers, & Plavnick, 2014), special education (Ferrailoi & Harris, 2010; Meadan, Stoner, & Angell, 2010), and family science (Tsao, Davenport, & Schmiege, 2012), with a focus on (a) adjustment in TDSibs, and (b) characteristics of sibling relationships.…”

A Systematic Review of Social Communication and Interaction Interventions for Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…The involvement of significant others in assessment and treatment has been found to be of importance for patients with ASD as well (134)(135)(136)(137)(138), and this was clearly endorsed by the involved interest organizations in the current project. Increased knowledge of ASD may improve significant others' ability to participate in everyday family life with an autistic relative (137).…”