Sibling Relationship With Autism

The sibling relationship is unique in that it lasts the longest of all human relationships. Sibling relationships afford unique opportunities for child development. Siblings are development tally important because of their emotionally uninhibited Relationships, the impact of sharing their parents, and their daily contact and familiarity (Dunn, 2005). Siblings are sources of support, amusement and fun as well as frustration and irritation for each other. They offer a way for children to develop cognitively and socially. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a challenge to any family environment, particularly for typically developing (TD) children growing up with a sibling who has Autism. Research studies focused on families of children with

Global prevalence of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders was 62/10 000 (Elsabbagh M, 2012). In India around 2,000,000 children having autism, based on estimate rate of 1 in 250(The Autism Society of America, 2007). The prevalence of having ASD increases significantly for siblings. If one identical twin is diagnosed with autism, the other twin has a 60-96% chance of also being on the spectrum. In non-identical twins, the chances decrease to 0-24%. When one child has autism, the chance of a non-twin sibling having it as well is only 2-8%.The term spectrum refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills and level of impairment, or disability, that children with ASD can have. Some children are mildly impaired by their symptoms but others are severely disabled (National Institute of Mental Health, 2011). Autism has increased dramatically within the past years. More children are being diagnosed each year due to increased awareness and diagnosis that have been made. Many people in our society may have heard the word autism or know a friend or family that is diagnosed with having autism. In only a most cases, development is abnormal from infancy and, with only a few exceptions, the conditions become manifest during the first 3 years of life. Each child with autism disorder

They all involve conflicting feelings of resentment and affection, embarrassment and pride, jealousy and companionship. Having a child with autism in the family is unlikely to be the sole cause of negative outcomes, although it may exacerbate problems at times. Many brothers and sisters talk about the benefits of having a sibling with a disability. They talk about being more tolerant, more compassionate and that they have found inspiration through their sibling. Benefits of being the sibling of a special needs child