“Sometimes I feel grateful…”: Experiences of the adolescent siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder in Malaysia
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Deborah Hersh
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2466-0225
Abstract
Sibling relationships remain understudied in typically developing adolescents who have siblings with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of adolescents who have a brother or a sister with a diagnosis of ASD using semi-structured interviews. Using thematic analysis, the participants reported having difficulties communicating with their siblings. Feeling a mixture of emotions was common when interacting with their siblings with ASD and emotional self-regulation was a typical coping strategy utilized by these adolescents. Despite the challenges, having a sibling with ASD led to closer relationships between the siblings. These findings offer insights into these adolescents’ needs and how they may be best supported, informing the practice of speech-language pathology and other health professions.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
2023
Publication Title
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
36223
Funders
University's incentive grant (GP-2020-K021244, first author)
Copyright
free_to_read
Comments
Chu, S. Y., binti Kassim, S. N. Z., Gan, C. H., Fierro, V., Chan, C. M. H., & Hersh, D. (2023). “Sometimes I feel grateful…”: Experiences of the adolescent siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder in Malaysia. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53, 795–807.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05184-5