Publication Date
Fall 12-3-2019
School
School of Education
Major
Education: Special Education
Keywords
ASD, Positive Perceptions, Positive Effects, Family Systems, ASD Siblings
Disciplines
Cognition and Perception | Disability and Equity in Education | Disability Studies | Educational Psychology | Social Psychology | Special Education and Teaching
Recommended Citation
Weaver, Genevieve, "Autism Spectrum Disorders and Positive Familial Effects" (2019). Senior Honors Theses. 926.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/926
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been found to significantly impact familial structures and outcomes in various studies. The majority of the impact, however, has been primarily negative; effects like increased stress, marital discontentment, and stigmatization are commonly expressed by families. In this study data from a questionnaire, interview, and picture presentations were analyzed and triangulated to identify the positive familial effects of having a child or sibling with ASD. Parents and siblings shared that having a child or sibling with ASD has bettered their life through learning to enjoy the identity of the individual with ASD, through personal growth, and thorough positive environmental differences. These findings encourage further research into how individuals with ASD positively influence families and society.
Included in
Cognition and Perception Commons, Disability and Equity in Education Commons, Disability Studies Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons
