The impact of autism on siblings

Abstract

We have summarized the research on the impact of the behavior a brother or sister with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on typically developing siblings across the life cycle. The siblings’ cognitive development and emotional/affective development influence how they perceive and interpret the behavior of the child with an ASD. Similarly, the intellectual ability, behavior, and degree of interpersonal access of the child with ASD impacts the relationship between the two children, as does the response of parents to the needs of all the children in the family. These challenges continue into adulthood with the typically developing brother or sister often feeling an ongoing sense of responsibility for the welfare of the sibling with ASD. The majority of siblings of children with ASDs function well as children, adolescents, and adults. © 2009, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.