Quality of the sibling relationship when one sibling has autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial of a sibling support group

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110421
Author(s):  
Ariel Zucker ◽  
Yookyung Chang ◽  
Reena Maharaj ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Theresa Fiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Sibling Relationships ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sibling Relationship ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Sibling Support

When one sibling has autism spectrum disorder, the sibling relationship is often characterized by poorer quality with fewer interactions. Because sibling relationships provide a vital social framework for development, they have the capacity to be a risk or protective factor, depending on the quality of the relationship. One way to improve the quality of the sibling relationship is through typically developing sibling participation in a support group. In this study, researchers randomly assigned typically developing siblings to a 10-week support group or attention-only control group. Typically developing siblings in the support group showed significant improvements in the quality of their sibling relationship and interactions with their sibling with autism spectrum disorder compared to the control group. Autism spectrum disorder severity and externalizing behavior moderated the effects of the support group on positive affect. Findings suggest the positive impact of a support group on sibling relationships, a relationship that has the potential to be protective. Lay abstract The sibling relationship can be negatively impacted when one child has autism spectrum disorder. One way to improve the quality of that relationship is through typically developing sibling participation in a support group in which they learn about autism spectrum disorder and coping skills, develop a peer network, and discuss their feelings. Compared to participating in a similar group without a focus on autism spectrum disorder, siblings in the support group showed improvements in the quality of the sibling relationship. Findings suggest that sibling support groups can be a valuable resource to improve sibling relationship quality when one sibling has autism spectrum disorder.

scholarly journals Sibling Relationships, Personality Traits, Emotional, and Behavioral Difficulties in Autism Spectrum Disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Longobardi ◽  
L. E. Prino ◽  
F. G. M. Gastaldi ◽  
T. Jungert
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sibling Relationships ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sibling Relationship ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Difficulties ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
The Impact

This study focused on parents’ perceptions of the quality of sibling relationship and its association with some behavioral and emotional characteristics of the typically developing sibling. The participants were parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing siblings. The sample size was 43. The group comprised 14 fathers (32.6%) and 29 mothers (67.4%) aged 33–53 years (M=43.56; SD = 5.23). The parents completed measures of siblings’ emotional and behavioral difficulties, siblings’ personality, and sibling relationships and their impact on families and siblings. The results showed that behavioral difficulties such as emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer relationship problems were significantly associated with negative sibling relationships—characterized by rivalry, aggression, avoidance, and teaching behavior toward the brother or sister with an autism spectrum disorder. The implications are that sibling-focused interventions should focus on improving negative sibling relationships to reduce the impact on the difficulties of the typical development of the sibling of both genders and shape the content and delivery framework accordingly. This can be done by providing skills and approaches for enhancing sibling relationships so both parties benefit.

Participation patterns of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder compared to their peers: Parents’ perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liron Lamash ◽  
Gary Bedell ◽  
Naomi Josman
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Adolescents With Autism ◽  
Home And School

Introduction Although participation is an important outcome of rehabilitation interventions and a critical indicator of quality of life, few studies have focused on the participation patterns of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in their daily activities or the environmental factors that influence such participation. This study aims to describe the participation characteristics of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder compared with typically developing peers in home, school and community and to identify supporting or hindering environmental features. Method The Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth was administered to 59 parents of adolescents ( M = 14.51 years) with autism spectrum disorder and a control group of 188 parents of typically developing adolescents in Israel, and the results were compared. Results Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder showed lower participation levels at home and school, and much lower levels in the community, preferring solitary activities that involve technology. Their typically developing peers participated in more activities that involved social interaction skill. In addition, parents of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder rated more environmental factors as barriers in all environments. Conclusion Participation gaps between adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and their typically developing peers should be considered when developing interventions, allocating services and creating policies to meet the unique needs of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

Mental health correlates and potential childhood predictors for the wish to be of the opposite sex in young autistic adults

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110240
Author(s):  
Jung-Chi Chang ◽  
Meng-Chuan Lai ◽  
Yueh-Ming Tai ◽  
Susan Shur-Fen Gau
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Item Endorsement ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Autistic Adults

Cross-sectional research has demonstrated the overrepresentation of gender dysphoria in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder. However, the predictors and underlying mechanisms of this co-occurrence remain unclear. This follow-up study aimed to explore baseline (childhood/adolescence) predictors for the follow-up (adulthood) self-reported wish to be of the opposite sex and to investigate its mental health correlates in a sample of 88 autistic individuals as compared with 42 typically developing controls. An item on the Adult Self-Report Inventory-4, “I wish I was the opposite sex,” was used. We compared mental health symptoms between adults with and without this item endorsement. We used prediction models to explore family and autism-related predictors in childhood/adolescence to endorse this item in adulthood. There were more adults endorsing the item in the autism spectrum disorder group compared with the typically developing group. Autistic adults who endorsed the item experienced more mental health challenges, more bullying victimization, more suicidal ideations, and worse quality of life. Lower parent-reported family support and more stereotyped/repetitive behaviors during childhood/adolescence predicted the self-reported wish to be of the opposite sex in adulthood in autistic individuals. It is necessary to raise more attention to gender development and related mental health impact in autistic individuals. Lay abstract Autistic people/people with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to experience gender dysphoria. However, the possible longitudinal predictors and underlying mechanisms of this co-occurrence are unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, we assessed 88 people with autism spectrum disorder and 42 typically developing individuals at their average ages of 13.0 (baseline, childhood/adolescence) and 20.2 years old (follow-up, adulthood). At follow-up, their endorsement on the item “I wish I was the opposite sex” was used to evaluate gender dysphoric symptoms. We compared mental health symptoms between adults with and without this item endorsement at the follow-up assessment. We explored parent-reported family and autism characteristics-related predictors in childhood/adolescence to this item endorsement in adulthood. We found that more autistic adults reported the wish to be of the opposite sex than did typically developing individuals. Autistic adults who endorsed this item experienced more mental health challenges, more school bullying and cyberbullying, more suicidal ideation, and worse quality of life. Moreover, parent-reported lower family support and more stereotyped/repetitive behaviors during childhood/adolescence predicted the self-reported wish to be of the opposite sex in adulthood in autistic individuals. More attention and support should be provided to autistic people regarding gender development and related mental health and quality of life impact, especially during the transition period to young adulthood.

Randomized controlled trial of a sibling support group: Mental health outcomes for siblings of children with autism

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1468-1481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily A Jones ◽  
Theresa Fiani ◽  
Jennifer L Stewart ◽  
Nicole Neil ◽  
Susan McHugh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Typically Developing Siblings

Typically developing siblings of a child with autism spectrum disorder may be at increased risk of mental health difficulties. A support group is one approach to improve mental health outcomes for typically developing siblings. During support groups, typically developing siblings discuss their feelings, learn coping strategies and problem-solving skills, and develop a peer network. We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing a support group to an attention-only social control group. Some areas of mental health improved. Autism spectrum disorder symptom severity in the sibling with autism spectrum disorder moderated effects. Findings suggest continuing to examine what areas of mental health and adjustment are improved with support groups and subgroups of typically developing siblings for whom support groups might be particularly effective. Lay abstract Typically developing siblings of a child with autism spectrum disorder may show mental health difficulties. A support group is one approach to help typically developing siblings. During support groups, typically developing siblings discuss their feelings, learn coping strategies and problem-solving skills, and develop a peer network. We compared a support group to participation in a similar group without a focus on the sibling with autism spectrum disorder. Some areas of mental health improved. Improvements were also impacted by autism spectrum disorder symptom severity in the sibling with autism spectrum disorder. Findings suggest continuing to examine how support groups can help typically developing siblings and for which siblings support groups might be particularly effective.

scholarly journals The attitudes of typically developing adolescents towards their sibling with autism spectrum disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Van der Merwe ◽  
Juan Bornman ◽  
Dana Donohue ◽  
Michal Harty
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sibling Relationship ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Friedman Analysis ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Positive Attitudes

Background: Understanding how the cognitive, emotional and behavioural components of sibling attitudes interact with one another at various stages of a sibling’s lifespan will allow clinicians to provide better support to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. However, no research exists which focusses on describing the attitudes of adolescent siblings of children with ASD within the South African context towards their sibling with an ASD. The primary aim of this study was to investigate how typically developing adolescents recall their past attitudes and describe their present attitudes towards their sibling with an ASD.Methods: Thirty typically developing adolescents who have siblings with ASD were selected to complete the survey instrument, the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale, using a cross-sectional design.Results: Results indicate that the measure has internal consistency within this sample. Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used to test for significant differences between the mean values for the two self-reported time periods. Friedman analysis of variances (ANOVAs) was used to test for significant differences in the three components of attitudes, namely affect, behaviour and cognition. Results indicate that participants held more positive attitudes towards their siblings with ASD as adolescents compared with when they were younger and that adolescents rated their current emotions towards and beliefs about their sibling with ASD to be more positive than their current interaction experiences.Conclusion: As siblings’ attitudes appear to change over time, clinicians should use a lifespan approach to sibling attitudes when designing and implementing supports for siblings of children with ASD.

Scanpath similarity measure reveals not only a decreased social preference, but also an increased nonsocial preference in individuals with autism

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 374-386
Author(s):  
Magdalena Ewa Król ◽  
Michał Król
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Preference ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Natural Scenes ◽  
Semantic Features ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder Group ◽  
Social Images

We compared scanpath similarity in response to repeated presentations of social and nonsocial images representing natural scenes in a sample of 30 participants with autism spectrum disorder and 32 matched typically developing individuals. We used scanpath similarity (calculated using ScanMatch) as a novel measure of attentional bias or preference, which constrains eye-movement patterns by directing attention to specific visual or semantic features of the image. We found that, compared with the control group, scanpath similarity of participants with autism was significantly higher in response to nonsocial images, and significantly lower in response to social images. Moreover, scanpaths of participants with autism were more similar to scanpaths of other participants with autism in response to nonsocial images, and less similar in response to social images. Finally, we also found that in response to nonsocial images, scanpath similarity of participants with autism did not decline with stimulus repetition to the same extent as in the control group, which suggests more perseverative attention in the autism spectrum disorder group. These results show a preferential fixation on certain elements of social stimuli in typically developing individuals compared with individuals with autism, and on certain elements of nonsocial stimuli in the autism spectrum disorder group, compared with the typically developing group.

scholarly journals STUDY OF ABNORMAL PALMER CREASES IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN NORTH INDIA

2021 ◽  
pp. 102-105
Author(s):  
Avni Gupta ◽  
Aakanksha Kharb ◽  
Sujata Sethi
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Typically Developing Children ◽  
Early Management

INTRODUCTION: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized mainly by deficits in social and communication patterns. Aberrant gene environment interactions during fetal development leads to formation of minor physical anomalies such as abnormal palmar creases commonly seen in autism spectrum disorder. AIM: To compare the prevalence of abnormal palmar creases in children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children. METHODOLOGY:It was a case controlled cross sectional study conducted in departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics of Pt. B.D. Sharma, PGIMS Rohtak. Fifty children of age 4-16 years with diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (case group) and fifty typically developing children (control group) were recruited. A digital camera of 13 megapixels was used to click photographs of the palms of children. Palmar crease patterns of fifty children with diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were compared with the control group. RESULTS:The prevalence of abnormal palmar creases in case group was higher (47%) than in control group (14%).The prevalence of Simian crease in case group was double (22%) as compared to one in control group i.e. 11%. The prevalence of Sydney crease in case group was 21%, while in control group it was only 3%. The prevalence of Suwon crease in case group was 4%,while it was not seen in control group. CONCLUSION:Children with abnormal palmar creases help in early screening of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder helping in early management of these children leading to better outcomes and alleviation of parental stress and burden

scholarly journals Experiences of Dental Care and Dental Anxiety in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
My Blomqvist ◽  
Göran Dahllöf ◽  
Susanne Bejerot
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Dental Anxiety ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Experienced Pain ◽  
Adults With Asd

Dental anxiety is associated with previous distressing dental experiences, such as lack of understanding of the dentist intentions, perceptions of uncontrollability and experiences of pain during dental treatment. People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are impaired in building flexible predictions and expectations, which is very much needed during a dental visit. The aims of the study were to investigate if people with ASD have more negative dental experiences and a higher level of dental anxiety compared to a matched control group. Forty-seven adults with ASD and of normal intellectual performance, and 69 age- and sex-matched typically developing controls completed questionnaires on previous dental experiences and dental anxiety, the Dental Anxiety Scale, and the Dental Beliefs Survey. The ASD group experienced pain during dental treatments more often than the controls and 22% had repeatedly experienced being forced to dental treatment they were not prepared for, compared to 3% of the controls. A higher level of dental anxiety was reported by the ASD group. Dental treatment and methods for supporting the communication with patients with ASD need to be developed, in order to reduce the negative dental experiences and dental anxiety in people with ASD.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Stability of Intellectual Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Age 3 Through Mid-adulthood

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly B. D. Prigge ◽  
Erin D. Bigler ◽  
Nicholas Lange ◽  
Jubel Morgan ◽  
Alyson Froehlich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Iq Scores ◽  
Vocational Planning ◽  
The Stability

AbstractIntelligence (IQ) scores are used in educational and vocational planning for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) yet little is known about the stability of IQ throughout development. We examined longitudinal age-related IQ stability in 119 individuals with ASD (3–36 years of age at first visit) and 128 typically developing controls. Intelligence measures were collected over a 20-year period. In ASD, Full Scale (FSIQ) and Verbal (VIQ) Intelligence started lower in childhood and increased at a greater rate with age relative to the control group. By early adulthood, VIQ and working memory stabilized, whereas nonverbal and perceptual scores continued to change. Our results suggest that in individuals with ASD, IQ estimates may be dynamic in childhood and young adulthood.

scholarly journals Conceptualisation and Development of a Quality of Life Measure for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valsamma Eapen ◽  
Rudi Črnčec ◽  
Amelia Walter ◽  
Kwok Ping Tay
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Children With Asd

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to experience greater psychological distress than parents of typically developing children or children with other disabilities. Quality of Life (QoL) is increasingly recognised as a critical outcome measure for planning and treatment purposes in ASD. There is a need for ASD-specific QoL measures as generic measures may not capture all relevant aspects of living with ASD. This paper describes the conceptualisation and development of an autism-specific measure of QoL, the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA) for parents and caregivers of children with ASD, that is suitable to clinical and research settings. Preliminary psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of the measure are also presented. The QoLA has 48 items in two subscales: one comprising QoL items and the second a parent report of how problematic their child’s ASD symptoms are. A study involving 39 families suggested the QoLA has excellent internal consistency as well as good known-groups validity between parents of children with ASD and those who were typically developing. The QoLA also showed good convergent validity with other measures of QoL and ASD symptom severity, respectively. The QoLA may be a valuable assessment tool and merits further psychometric evaluation.

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