Date

8-6-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Bethany Mims

Keywords

Siblings, Autism, Home, Autistic Children and Siblings

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

A sibling in the household is beneficial for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to research studies, however, most of the attention is placed on managing the ASD child's behaviors. To provide insight into the non-autistic child’s perceptions, this qualitative phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of siblings living in a home with an ASD sibling. A questionnaire survey method was used to analyze the non-autistic siblings' perceptions and lived experiences. This dissertation reviewed what sibling relationships look like for a typically developing sibling of a child with ASD. The gap in research showed there is not enough information concerning the lived experiences and concerns of siblings living with an ASD child. This study allowed siblings the opportunity to provide details of their daily experiences. The study surveyed eight typically developing siblings of individuals with ASD, along with eight control sibling pairs in which no siblings were diagnosed with ASD. The key findings from the current study indicate there aren’t any substantial differences in the dynamics of homes with siblings who have a child with ASD compared to those without a child diagnosed with ASD. While there may be unique familial challenges when caring for a child(ren) with ASD, implications of the current study indicate a sibling relationship between a non-ASD child and an ASD child present no more challenges to their overall well-being than typical sibling relationships.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS