Mothers’ Perceptions of the Sibling Relationship When One Child has Autism Spectrum Disorder

This mixed method study examined maternal perceptions of their children’s sibling relationship when one child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and one is typically developing. Six mothers completed a questionnaire and semi-structured interview pertaining to their perceptions of the quality of the sibling relationship, the children’s development, adjustment, and impact on one another. Mothers spoke kindly of both children and offered positive and negative perceptions of the sibling relationship. Mothers perceived that sibling influence was bi-directional, in that both children affect the behaviors and interests of one another, regardless of diagnosis and birth order. Typically developing siblings were described as very involved and caring towards their sibling; however, siblings and parents seem to experience day-to-day challenges associated with family relationships and dynamics. Findings highlight the need for services to address the individual needs of parents and siblings in response to having a child with ASD.