Autism Spectrum Disorders and Sibling Relationships: Research and Strategies

Significant attention has been paid in the literature to sibling relationships and the effects of birth order, family size, and gender on such relationships. Although these are important areas to study, there is relatively little research on the effects of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) on sibling relationships. The existent research identifies both positive and negative factors in such sibling relationships. This paper analyzes the studies that are available on ASD and sibling relationships, discusses findings, identifies implications, and makes recommendations for improving sibling relationships when one sibling has ASD. Within the family unit siblings share a unique relationship with one another (Knott, Lewis, & Williams, 1995), typically lasting the longest among all human relationships (Orsmond & Seltzer, 2007). Sibling relationships in the general population develop along a continuum throughout childhood, adolescence and adulthood (Dunn, Slomkowski, & Beardsall, 1994) and typical sibling relationships provide siblings with experiences that “foster the development of emotional understanding, selfregulation, and a sense of belonging and comfort” (Orsmond & Seltzer, p. 313). A number of specific aspects of sibling relationships have been highlighted in the research. For example, Smith and Hart (2002) stated that sibling relationships play a significant role in the development of children’s understandings of others’ emotions and thoughts. Kaminsky and Dewey (2001) reported that positive sibling relationships can be an important source of social development and self-worth and are associated with lower levels of conduct disorders and loneliness in children. Further Foden (2007) stated interplay between siblings profoundly affects individuals’ personalities and social and intellectual development. Howe, Petrakos, and Rinaldi (1998) similarly found that siblings who engage in frequent pretend play demonstrate a greater understanding of others’ emotions, are more likely to construct shared meanings in play, and are more likely to develop conflict management strategies. In addition, El-Ghoroury and Romanczky (1999) reported that siblings are important social agents for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), who often have severe deficits in social competence. As Reagon (2006) further noted, siblings are the most frequently available play partners. Thus, the question of how do autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect sibling relationships is important to answer because positive sibling relationships can foster a better quality of life both in the present and in the future, such as once parents may be unable to care for their child with ASD. This paper addresses factors that affect sibling relationships, analyzes the impact of having a sibling with ASD as compared to one with other disabilities, discusses the findings and potential makes recommendations for improving sibling relationships when one sibling has ASD. Research on Sibling Relationships