Functioning Among Typically Developing Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

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.

Promoting the Social Inclusion of Children with ASD: A Family-Centred Intervention

“…Moreover, the impact on non-disabled siblings is worthy of attention given the increasing evidence that they fared worse in terms of psychological functioning, internalized behaviour problems, social functioning, and sibling relationships while also showing increased anxiety and depression [8].…”

Academic self-concept and sense of school belonging of adolescent siblings of autistic children

“…Moreover, meta-analytic data from 69 independent studies suggest that relative to non-autistic siblings, siblings of autistic children are more likely to have internalising difficulties, poorer psychological and social functioning, and more maladaptive sibling relationships. Conversely, there were no sibling group differences for general psychological adjustment, externalising behaviours, coping skills, or family functioning (Shivers, Jackson & McGregor, 2018).…”

A Psychoanalytical Perspective on the Co-therapeutic Relationship With a Group of Siblings of Children With Autism: An Observational Study of Communicative Behavior Patterns

“…The results also show that children speak little of their siblings with autism and participate in the sessions spontaneously with all kinds of interventions (liking, disliking, laughter, play, etc.). The communicative richness evident in their behavior patterns reinforces the importance of offering this type of intervention for children with ASD-Sibs (Shivers et al, 2018). The support group helps them think about and of themselves and facilitates their development of a differentiated identity (Fieschi et al, 2011; Centre Educatiu i Terapèutic Carrilet, Alcácer et al, 2013; Venturella et al, 2014).…”

“…In recent years, interest has grown in whether ASD-Sibs have a greater risk of developing emotional and behavioral problems than the general population, with empirical results pointing to enormous variability (Griffith et al, 2014; McHale et al, 2016): some studies affirm an increased risk (Meyer et al, 2011; Shivers et al, 2013; Hastings and Petalas, 2014), others suggest a similar risk (Macks and Reeve, 2007; Ferraioli and Harris, 2009; Walton and Ingersoll, 2015), and yet others argue that ASD-Sibs demonstrate better social adaptation and more positive sibling relationships (Hastings, 2003; Petalas et al, 2012). A recent meta-analysis (Shivers et al, 2018) of 69 studies that compared siblings with ASD-Sibs with siblings without ASD-Sibs found that, for some 800 individual comparisons, children with ASD-Sibs had significantly poorer – albeit small in magnitude – outcomes, specifically in their internalization of behavioral problems, psychological functioning, beliefs, social functioning, and relationships between siblings. No significant results were obtained for adaptation, externalization of behavioral problems, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, coping or family functioning.…”

“…Support groups for ASD-Sibs are key to the prevention and early detection of developmental and emotional disorders and also in terms of therapeutic strategies when difficulties appear (Shivers et al, 2018). Traditionally, interventions for ASD-Sibs are implemented through support groups for family members, focused on communicative strategies that foster positive relations between siblings and a climate of trust in the family that facilitates the revelation of thoughts and feelings (Harris and Glasberg, 2003).…”