Fifteen intervention studies were reviewed that included children with autism and their typical siblings. Overall, results across several studies reveal that siblings can have positive impacts on social and communication skills in children with autism. However, methodological variations and mixed results in studies that included siblings as passive role models limit the conclusions. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BaileyD. B.McwilliamR. A.DarkesL. A.HebbelerK.SimeonssonR. J.SpikerD.WagnerM.Family outcomes in early intervention: A framework for program evaluation and efficacy researchExceptional Children64313–3281998
2.
BakerM. J.Incorporating the thematic ritualistic behaviors of children with autism into games: Increasing social play interactions with siblingsJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions266–842000
3.
BassJ. D.MulickJ. A.Social play skill enhancement of children with autism using peers and siblings as therapistsPsychology in the Schools44727–7352007
4.
BelchicJ. K.HarrisS. L.The use of multiple peer exemplars to enhance the generalization of play skills to the siblings of children with autismChild & Family Behavior Therapy161–251994
5.
CelibertiD. A.HarrisS. L.Behavioral intervention for siblings of children with autism: A focus on skills to enhance playBehavior Therapy24573–5991993
6.
ClarkM. L.CunninghamC. E.CunninghamL. J.Improving the social behavior of siblings of autistic children using a group problem solving approachChild & Family Behavior Therapy1119–331989
7.
CollettiG.HarrisS. L.Behavior modification in the home: Siblings as behavior modifiers, parents as observersJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology521–301977
8.
DavisN. O.CarterA. S.Parenting stress in mothers and fathers of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders: Associations with child characteristics10.1007/s10803-007-0512-z Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders381278–12912008
9.
DempseyI.KeenD.A review of processes and outcomes in family-centered services for children with a disability10.1177/0271121408316699 Topics in Early Childhood Special Education2842–522008
10.
DoddS.HuppS. D.JewellJ. D.KrohnE.Using parents and siblings during a social story intervention for two children diagnosed with PDD-NOSJournal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities20217–2292008
11.
DumasJ. E.WolfL. C.FismanS. N.CulliganA.Parenting stress, child behavior problems, and dysphoria in parents of children with autism, Down syndrome, behavior disorders, and normal development10.1080/09362839109524770 Exceptionality297–1101991
12.
FerraioliS. J.HansfordA.HarrisS. L.Benefits of including siblings in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice19413–4222012
13.
FerraioliS. J.HarrisS. L.Teaching joint attention to children with autism through a sibling-mediated behavioral interventionBehavioral Interventions26261–2812011
14.
GoldN.Depression and social adjustment in siblings of boys with autismJournal of Autism & Developmental Disorders23147–1641993
15.
HastingsR. P.Behavioral adjustment of siblings of children with autism engaged in applied behavior analysis early intervention programs: The moderating role of social supportJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders33141–1502003
16.
HornerR. H.CarrE. G.HalleJ.McgeeG.OdomS. L.WoleryM.The use of single-subject research to identify evidence-based practice in special educationExceptional Children71165–1792005
17.
JonesC. D.SchwartzI. S.Siblings, peers, and adults: Differential effects of models for children with autismTopics in Early Childhood Special Education24187–1982004
18.
KratochwillT. R.HitchcockJ.HornerR. H.LevinJ. R.OdomS. L.RindskopfD. M.ShadishW. R.Single-case designs technical documentation. What Works Clearinghousehttp://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/pdf/wwc_scd.pdf2010
19.
MacksR. J.ReeveR. E.The adjustment of non-disabled siblings of children with autismJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders371060–10672007
20.
MeadanH.StonerJ. B.AngellM. E.Review of literature related to the social, emotional, and behavioral adjustment of siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorderJournal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities2283–1002010
21.
Oppenheim-LeafM. L.LeafJ. B.DozierC.SheldonJ. B.ShermanJ. A.Teaching typically developing children to promote social play with their siblings with autism10.1016/j.rasd.2011.10.010 Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders6777–7912012
22.
PilowskyT.YirmiyaN.DoppeltO.Gross-TsurV.ShalevR. S.Social and emotional adjustment of siblings of children with autismJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines45855–8652004
23.
RaynerC.Sibling and adult video modelling to teach a student with autism: Imitation skills and intervention suitabilityDevelopmental Neurorehabilitation14331–3382011
24.
RaynerC.Teaching students with autism to tie a shoelace knot using video prompting and backward chainingDevelopmental Neurorehabilitation14339–3472011
25.
ReagonK. A.HigbeeT. S.EndicottK.Teaching pretend play skills to a student with autism using video modeling with a sibling as model and play partnerEducation & Treatment of Children25517–5282006
26.
SandersJ. L.MorganS. B.Family stress and adjustment as perceived by parents of children with autism or Down Syndrome: Implications for intervention10.1300/J019v19n04_02 Child & Family Behavior Therapy1915–321997
27.
SchlosserR. W.WendtO.SigafoosJ.Not all systematic reviews are created equal: Considerations for appraisal10.1080/17489530701560831 Evidence-Based Communi-cation Assessment & Intervention1138–1502007
28.
SchreibmanL.O'NeillR. E.KoegelR. L.Behavioral training for siblings of autistic childrenJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis16129–1381983
29.
StrainP. S.DankoC. D.Caregivers’ encouragement of positive interaction between preschoolers with autism and their siblingsJournal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders32–121995
30.
TaylorB. A.LevinL.JasperS.Increasing play-related statements in children with autism toward their siblings: Effects of video modelingJournal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities11253–2641999
31.
TothK.DawsonG.MeltzoffA. N.GreensonJ.FeinD.Early social, imitation, play, and language abilities of young non-autistic siblings of children with autismJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders37145–1572007
32.
TsaoL.DavenportR.SchmiegeC.Supporting siblings of children with autism spectrum disordersEarly Childhood Education Journal4047–542012
33.
TsaoL.OdomS. L.Sibling-mediated social interaction intervention for young children with autismTopics in Early Childhood Special Education26106–1232006
34.
VerteS.RoeyersH.BuysseA.Behavioural problems, social competence and self-concept in siblings of children with autismChild: Care, Health And Development29193–2052003
35.
WehmanT.Family-centered early intervention services: Factors contributing to increaded parent involvement10.1177/108835769801300203 Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities1380–861998