Cognitive, Social and Emotional Capabilities in Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Sandra Romano
SPCE 682
February 11, 2018
Siblings of Children with ASD Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in social and communication behaviors, concerns about how this may impact siblings of children with ASD in both positive and negative ways have surrounded some present studies. The following is a review of the present literature on the cognitive, social and emotional development and capacities of typical developing individuals who may be impacted by having a sibling with autism.
Cognitive Abilities
Researchers Gizzonio, Avanzini, Fabbri-destro, Campi, and Rizzolatti …show more content…
All non-autistic siblings were asked to complete the Children’s Depression Inventory Short Form and Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale. Participating parents were also asked complete the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Parent Rating Scales and a general demographic questionnaire (Macks & Reeves, 2006). Macks and Reeves (2006) maintain that non-autistic siblings appear to have a stronger self-concept whether this is because the non-autistic sibling compares their capabilities to the child with autism or due to a difference in level of maturity—this maturity level leading to improved behavior and social skills remains to be determined. Parents reports of the non-autistic siblings was interestingly more negative than parents without any children with autism. Macks and Reeves (2006) speculate that this could be due to lack of parent involvement and projection of frustrations. Findings also suggest that demographic characteristics are more likely to affect a non-autistic sibling than a non-disabled child—in other words, as demographic risks increase so too does the risk of negative effect on the non-autistic sibling (Macks & Reeves, …show more content…
For instance, if a session were to only occur in certain parts of the home would this essentially prevent the non-autistic sibling from accessing those parts of their home? If a therapist wants to implement a play-based treatment that involves the non-autistic sibling, is it because the non-autistic sibling wanted to be a part of that treatment or is their involvement forced by the parent? If the behavior analyst organizes a weekly meeting with the parent on a Saturday, does this rob possible, quality parent-child time from the non-autistic
Sandra Romano
SPCE 682
February 11, 2018
Siblings of Children with ASD Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in social and communication behaviors, concerns about how this may impact siblings of children with ASD in both positive and negative ways have surrounded some present studies. The following is a review of the present literature on the cognitive, social and emotional development and capacities of typical developing individuals who may be impacted by having a sibling with autism.
Cognitive Abilities
Researchers Gizzonio, Avanzini, Fabbri-destro, Campi, and Rizzolatti …show more content…
All non-autistic siblings were asked to complete the Children’s Depression Inventory Short Form and Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale. Participating parents were also asked complete the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Parent Rating Scales and a general demographic questionnaire (Macks & Reeves, 2006). Macks and Reeves (2006) maintain that non-autistic siblings appear to have a stronger self-concept whether this is because the non-autistic sibling compares their capabilities to the child with autism or due to a difference in level of maturity—this maturity level leading to improved behavior and social skills remains to be determined. Parents reports of the non-autistic siblings was interestingly more negative than parents without any children with autism. Macks and Reeves (2006) speculate that this could be due to lack of parent involvement and projection of frustrations. Findings also suggest that demographic characteristics are more likely to affect a non-autistic sibling than a non-disabled child—in other words, as demographic risks increase so too does the risk of negative effect on the non-autistic sibling (Macks & Reeves, …show more content…
For instance, if a session were to only occur in certain parts of the home would this essentially prevent the non-autistic sibling from accessing those parts of their home? If a therapist wants to implement a play-based treatment that involves the non-autistic sibling, is it because the non-autistic sibling wanted to be a part of that treatment or is their involvement forced by the parent? If the behavior analyst organizes a weekly meeting with the parent on a Saturday, does this rob possible, quality parent-child time from the non-autistic