Sibling Dynamics in Autism Spectrum Disorder Families
Summary
Sibling relationships in families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are characterised by a complex interplay of emotional, behavioural and social factors. Siblings frequently assume supportive roles, ranging from informal caregiving and advocacy to companionship, which can foster empathy and resilience but also carry the risk of parentification and psychological strain. Family systems models emphasise the interdependence of sibling adjustment and parental stress, showing that siblings’ wellbeing is shaped not only by the characteristics of the child with ASD but also by parental coping strategies, family communication patterns and broader social supports. Emotional responses among siblings vary widely, with some reporting pride and enhanced social skills and others experiencing heightened anxiety, loneliness or behavioural difficulties. Cultural context, socioeconomic status and access to targeted interventions further modulate these outcomes. Practical applications of this body of research include the design of sibling‐focused programmes that bolster family cohesion, improve parent–sibling communication and offer peer support to promote adaptive coping and wellbeing across the lifespan.
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Sibling Dynamics in Autism Spectrum Disorder Families publication trend
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Technical terms
Autism Spectrum Disorder: A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent challenges in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour or interests.
Parentification: The process by which a child adopts caregiving or emotional‐support roles typically performed by parents, often leading to role reversal within the family.
Prosocial behaviour: Voluntary actions intended to benefit others, such as helping, sharing or comforting, important for healthy sibling relationships.
Social support: The perception or reality of emotional, informational or practical assistance provided by family, peers or community, serving as a buffer against stress.
Sibling Embedded Systems Framework: A multilevel model that contextualises sibling experiences within interacting individual, familial and broader societal factors, used to guide research and intervention design.
References
- Siblings of Children with Autism: the Siblings Embedded Systems Framework. Current Developmental Disorders Reports (2017).
- A systematic review of social support for siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Research in Developmental Disabilities (2022).
- Psychosocial Interventions and Support Groups for Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review of Sibling Self-reported Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review (2022).
- Emotional–Behavioral Disorders in Healthy Siblings of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Medicina (2020).
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