The experience of having lived with a sibling with Autism spectrum disorder : a phenomenological study

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a widely researched area of psychology, however the impact ASD can have on a regularly developing sibling is still an area available for further research. The aim of this dissertation is to understand what it is like for an individual to grow up with a sibling diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The methodology used is Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and semi-structured interviews have been conducted with five participants. The participants all have a sibling with ASD and are between 18-22 years of age. The conducted interviews aims at presenting the participants’ point of view. The results from the transcript analysis revealed five main themes and 11 subthemes. The main themes are: Understanding Autism, Feelings, Effects on social life, Relationship and Quality of life. The research in this dissertation and the literature presented suggests that individuals of siblings with ASD are exposed to negative and positive impacts in all areas of their lives. This notion concurs with the main themes of the research findings.