Staff Members' Views of the Work Climate in Sheltered Homes for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The Quality of Life of Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…The participants in this study could indeed describe their experiences and reflect on their quality of life and how it might be improved. This is in line with other studies exploring the perceptions and experiences of siblings of children with ASD (Benderix et al, 2006;Mascha & Boucher, 2006;. The voice of siblings has been neglected for a long time; our study confirms the surplus value of listening to the siblings, even when they are rather young.…”

“…Based upon the stories of the participants in our study, we were able to define nine domains of SibQol. These nine domains are partially consistent with the findings of other studies on the sibling experience (Benderix et al, 2006;Petalas, Hastings, Nash, Dowy et al, 2009). Previous research presented conflicting results about the detrimental and the beneficial effects of having a brother or sister with ASD; our study also shows that the positive and the negative experiences are inextricably linked to the sibling relationship.…”

“…In their study on the perceptions and experiences of siblings of children with ASD, and Benderix et al (2006) identified collectively 12 main themes representing the sibling's experience. Each of these is reflected in our SibQol concept, although the SibQol concept is much more comprehensive, capturing the sibling experience as a whole.…”

“…Qualitative research may provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the experiences of siblings of children with ASD. Recent qualitative studies on the experience of siblings of children with ASD not only confirm that these children experience stressful life conditions but also reveal some previously hidden themes, such as being afraid of and being a victim of violent behavior, and acceptance of the child with ASD (Benderix, Nordstrom, & Sivberg, 2006;Mascha & Boucher, 2006;Petalas, Hastings, Nash, Dowey, & Reilly, 2009). Meadan and colleagues (2010) stated that understanding the experiences of siblings of children with ASD and developing a sibling support system based on that insight might affect and enhance the quality of life for all family members of children with ASD.…”