Psycho-social characteristics of children and adolescents with siblings on the autistic spectrum |
| |
| Authors: | Aglaia Stampoltzis Georgia Defingou Katerina Antonopoulou Sofia Kouvava Stavroula Polychronopoulou |
| |
| Institution: | 1. School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE), Athens, Greecelstamp@ambio.gr;3. Faculty of Primary Education, University of Athens, Athens, Greece;4. Department of Home Economics and Ecology, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece;5. 4th Local Education Authority of Athens, Athens, Greece |
| |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the psycho-social characteristics of typically developing children who have siblings with autism and their sibling relationship. Children’s adjustment at school, their self-esteem and social relations, as well as their friends’ attitudes towards their autistic siblings were examined. Participants were 22 siblings of children with autism, aged 8–18?years, 22 mothers and 22 fathers. Parents provided demographic information, and completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Sibling Inventory of Behaviour. Data from siblings of children with autism were based on a semi-structured interview, the Self-Perception Profile for Children and Adolescents and the Siblings Problems Questionnaire. Only few typically developing siblings of children with autism exhibit emotional and behavioural difficulties. The majority of them have a good relationship with their autistic brother or sister, although they mentioned changes in their daily routines. They also seem not to be satisfied in terms of peer acceptance skills and friendships. In addition, the results of the present study provide evidence for positive parental views on their typically developing children’s emotional and behavioural adjustment. These findings are important and need to be taken into account in order to assess functioning of all family members in families with autism spectrum children. |
| |
| Keywords: | siblings with autism psycho-social adaptation sibling relationships ASDs and siblings |
|
|
