Due to the assumptions made, often children with ASD are believed to have disrupted sibling relationships, however data from Petalas, Hastings, Nash and Duff shows that adolescents report seemingly typical sibling interactions (2013). This is important because positive sibling relationships have been shown to positively influence concepts of self (as cited in Dunn and Plomin 1990).
In three sub themes examined in Petalas, Hastings, Nash and Duff’s work there were surprisingly unremarkable and characterized by an absence of any explicit or implicit reference to ASD. Conflict was the first sub theme examined, where the adolescents frequently reported being discontent with how their sibling relationships had changed in recent years. Damian, a child interviewed in the study was reported saying, “he used to be really friendly but… once he became like 12 then it was like he became really aggressive towards me,” (Petalas, Hastings, Nash & Duff, 2013). Issues like Damian’s where common, with overall …show more content…
William, another child interviewed, showed his high regard for his sister when he said, “I don’t really know what I’d do without her… she is a playmate and a great sister.” Ghoshal, another of the children interviewed, claimed his brother was, “a very good person the best brother I can ask for,” (Petalas, Hasting, Nash & Duff, 2013). In valuing their siblings so highly the adolescents were able to use these relationship for knowledge, support and companionship; due to this Petalas, Hasting, Nash and Duff claim prosocial interactions such as cooperative play, and pretend play may be valuable in promoting greater moral understanding and socio-cognitive abilities. This means that the strong relationships the children build with their siblings can help them socialize with
In three sub themes examined in Petalas, Hastings, Nash and Duff’s work there were surprisingly unremarkable and characterized by an absence of any explicit or implicit reference to ASD. Conflict was the first sub theme examined, where the adolescents frequently reported being discontent with how their sibling relationships had changed in recent years. Damian, a child interviewed in the study was reported saying, “he used to be really friendly but… once he became like 12 then it was like he became really aggressive towards me,” (Petalas, Hastings, Nash & Duff, 2013). Issues like Damian’s where common, with overall …show more content…
William, another child interviewed, showed his high regard for his sister when he said, “I don’t really know what I’d do without her… she is a playmate and a great sister.” Ghoshal, another of the children interviewed, claimed his brother was, “a very good person the best brother I can ask for,” (Petalas, Hasting, Nash & Duff, 2013). In valuing their siblings so highly the adolescents were able to use these relationship for knowledge, support and companionship; due to this Petalas, Hasting, Nash and Duff claim prosocial interactions such as cooperative play, and pretend play may be valuable in promoting greater moral understanding and socio-cognitive abilities. This means that the strong relationships the children build with their siblings can help them socialize with