The literature on typically developing siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD-Sibs) provides inconsistent results, with some studies reporting ASD-Sibs are more likely to have negative outcomes than comparison groups, and others reporting no significant differences. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to meta-analytically aggregate study effect sizes to more accurately calculate the degree to which ASD-Sibs function similarly or differently compared to siblings of people who do not have ASD. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they had a sample of ASD-Sibs older than 5; reported on emotional, psychological, behavioral, or social functioning; and provided information necessary for calculating relevant effect sizes. Results from 69 independent samples indicated that ASD-Sibs have significantly more negative outcomes than comparison groups overall (g = - 0.26); specific areas of functioning in which ASD-Sibs fared worse include internalizing behavior problems, psychological functioning, beliefs, social functioning, and the sibling relationship, but no significant differences in adjustment, attention/hyperactivity, externalizing behavior problems, coping, or family functioning. Noteworthy sub-areas of functioning in which ASD-Sibs also fared worse included beliefs about disability (g = - 0.56), anxiety symptoms (g = - 0.25), and depression symptoms (g = - 0.36). In terms of comparison group, ASD-Sibs had significantly lower functioning than siblings of individuals with other intellectual and developmental disabilities (g = - 0.31), including Down syndrome (g = - 0.40) and siblings of individuals without any disabilities (g = - 0.31). Clinicians and service providers should work to ensure that ASD-Sibs are included in family interventions and support strategies, and researchers should further explore individual differences that may relate to enhanced or impaired functioning in ASD-Sibs.

Despite the prevalence of studies showing increased stress among mothers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, few studies have examined general stress among typically developing siblings. This study used an online survey to compare the levels of self-reported stress between adolescent siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome. Sibling of individuals with autism reported significantly more overall stress than did siblings of individuals with Down syndrome, as well as more stress specifically attributed to the brother/sister with autism. The two groups did not differ on perceived social support from family and friends. In linear regression models, the disability group (autism vs Down syndrome) was significantly related to sibling stress above and beyond target child behavior problems, perceived social support, and demographic factors. These results help shed light on the daily experiences of adolescent siblings of individuals with autism and call for more research into potential interventions to address increased stress levels.

No abstract

No abstract

The present study examined 97 adolescent siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), or no disabilities. Siblings reported on their feelings toward their brother or sister (anxiety, hostility, and positive affect), and parents reported on general optimism, child behavior problems, and perceptions of how the child impacts the family, including the sibling. There were no differences between siblings of individuals with ASD and siblings of individuals with IDD on any sibling self-reported feelings toward their brother or sister, though parents of individuals with ASD reported significantly less optimism and more negative perception of the child's impact on the family than did parents of children with IDD or no disability.

ObjectiveWe sought to develop grounded theory regarding how mothers who share children with an incarcerated father mediate between men and their offspring.BackgroundMothers' mediation can be situated at the intersection of their motherwork and their prison work. Motherwork (Collins, 1994) refers to the paid and unpaid labor that mothers on the margins do to support their families and foster their children's survival. Prison work (Codd, 2007) involves the invisible labor of supporting persons during their incarceration and reentry. A focus on maternal mediation as a proximal process that bears on justice‐involved families acknowledges the inherent tension between these domains.MethodWe conducted a secondary analysis of interview data from 16 Australian mothers who had at least one child whose father had a history of incarceration.ResultsWe identified four patterns of maternal mediation: facilitation, monitoring, constraint, and disengagement. These types connected to aspects of women's motherwork, as well as the intensity of their efforts to support children's fathers.ConclusionMediation is a form of women's prison‐motherwork, which reflects complex and shifting strategies that are influenced by children's developmental needs and preferences, mothers' feelings about children's fathers and their importance in children's lives, and time.ImplicationsWomen would benefit from having specialized support and counseling throughout their partner's (or former partner's) carceral confinement and reentry.

No abstract

ObjectiveWe sought to illuminant the lived experiences of becoming a mother during adolescence within the context of multigenerational family caregiving.BackgroundAdolescence is a developmental time frame during which identity formation is most salient and characterized by separation from parents (Erikson, 1968). Teenage childbearing, then, presents a unique scenario during which adolescent mothers and their families may need to renegotiate autonomy and caregiving roles.MethodQualitative methods, and interpretive phenomenological analysis, were utilized to explore the lived experiences of nine women who became mothers before the age of 19 years. Mothers were recruited from rural, Central Appalachian regions in the United States.ResultsWe identified the essence of young mothers' lived experiences regarding their receipt of caregiving during the transition to parenthood as an adolescent. Mothers equated instrumental and emotional support from family with their own “lovability” and interpreted support as indicative of their evolving competence as mothers.ConclusionsYoung motherhood appeared to be a developmental paradox in that their adolescent identity conflicted with their maternal identity.ImplicationsYoung mothers would benefit from multilevel interventions. Instead, practitioners might consider supporting whole families of young mothers by providing the means to create a healthy, supportive environment for the mother and her offspring.