Psychosocial Adjustment Strategies among Typically Developing Adolescents of Siblings with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

A neurodevelopmental disability known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterised by complex neurological symptoms involving the structure and function of the individual's brain and nervous system. Since ASD in an individual lasts throughout life, it is not surprising that living with an ASD individual presents unique challenges not only to the parents but also to the siblings of the ASD individual himself, where it can leave a great impact on the typically developing individual's functioning, psychological, educational and social, or in the family economy from the beginning of the process of obtaining a diagnosis until the ASD individual steps into adulthood. Previous research findings on the experiences and perspectives of typically developing siblings growing up with individuals with ASD have been mixed. Thus, a qualitative approach with a case study design was used to explore the psychosocial adjustment strategies taken by typically developing adolescents when dealing with ASD siblings. Six participants who matched the study's criteria and were recruited through snowball and purposive sampling had semi-structured interviews with an average duration of 30 minutes. The results of semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Two main themes that emerged are active coping strategy and passive coping strategy. Typically developing adolescents are observed to employ both types of coping strategies depending on the situation. The results of this study offer valuable insights into how society and medical professionals can support the psychosocial development of typical adolescents who have siblings with ASD.