Experiences of siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Several studies have focused on the impact of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) on parents, with very few exploring the experiences of siblings in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of siblings of individuals with ASD. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight (8) siblings of individuals with ASD who were purposively selected through parents in some support groups. Findings indicate that siblings largely have concerns about understanding the nature of ASD in addition to challenges with communication with their sibling with ASD. However, they used adaptive coping strategies to effectively deal with their challenges and had plans for the future of their sibling with ASD. These findings offer insights into the experiences of siblings and the appropriate support to be given to them by parents and professionals.

Keywords:

• siblings
• autism spectrum disorders
• experiences
• challenges
• coping strategies

Acknowledgments

We appreciate all parents and siblings who provided consent and allowed their ward to be part of this study.

Compliance with Ethical standards

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.