‘My Parents told us that they will always Treat my Brother Differently Because he is Autistic’ – Are Siblings of Autistic Children the Forgotten Ones?

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) does not only affect the child alone, but the family unit as well. This qualitative study explored the impacts of ASD on the relationship between parents and their neuro-typical children and how the neuro-typical children cope with the impacts of having an autistic sibling in the family. Utilising principles of the social relations theory, five Singaporean families (n = 10) consisting of five mothers and five neuro-typical children were interviewed. Both the mothers and the neuro-typical children were seen to be equal agents in influencing the interactions with each other, and contributed in maintaining the close relationship through various strategies. Findings revealed that having an autistic child in the family imposed certain constraints and additional responsibilities for the family members. Despite so, the neuro-typical children coped well with such constraints. The in-depth data highlight the value of considering both the agency of mothers and the neuro-typical children and how they bidirectionally influence each other while sharing the caregiving roles for the autistic child in the family. It is strongly recommended for practitioners to incorporate elements of child's agency when expanding their scope of psychosocial intervention work with the neuro-typical children.

Keywords::

• autism spectrum disorders
• neuro-typical children
• social relations theory
• parent–child relationship
• agency
• bidirectional influences

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support given by the Singapore Children's Society towards this project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gina W.L. Chan

Gina W.L. Chan graduated with B.A. (Hons) in Social Work from the National University of Singapore. Her research interest is in families with children with special needs. Address: Care Corner Family Service Centre, Singapore, Singapore. [E-mail: [email protected]]

Esther C.L. Goh

Esther C.L. Goh is an Assistant Professor of the Social Work Department of the National University of Singapore. Her research interests include bilateral dynamics between children and parents, child rearing practices in cultural contexts, social work practice research as well as religion as a source of social support. Her book ‘China's One-Child Policy and Multiple Caregiving – Raising Little Suns in Xiamen’ was published by Routledge (London) in 2011. Address: National University of Singapore, Social Work, AS3 level 4, SW Dept, 3 Arts Link, Singapore, 117570 Singapore. [E-mail: [email protected]]