Interaction between children with autism spectrum disorders and their older siblings

Abstract

This research investigates how younger siblings diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) interact with their older siblings during play in their natural home environment. Although there is plenty of research which show that social interaction is hindered by ASD, this study’s literature review exposed that there is a dearth of knowledge on social interaction between such sibling dyads. Three families were recruited for this study, within which three members of each family were involved - a younger sibling with ASD, an older sibling, and a parent. The objectives of this study were to observe social interaction skills during play, explore parents’ views and opinions on interaction between siblings during play, and explore older siblings’ views on play with their younger siblings. This qualitative study reached its objectives through triangulation of parent questionnaires, older siblings’ interviews, and observation checklists supported by video recordings. Following coding, themes which occurred commonly across all three tools were explored. Results showed that the quality and occurrence of interaction among sibling dyads varies greatly depending on the occurrence of tantrums by the younger sibling and willingness by either sibling to interact/engage in cooperative play. Also, when siblings engaged in cooperative play spontaneously, older siblings mostly adopted a dominant role in initiating and guiding play. However, both siblings determined whether or not to engage in cooperative play. Verbal communication was predominantly used by older siblings, and when children with ASD used verbal communication, it was not commonly intended for social interaction purposes. Parents also contributed significantly to play between sibling dyads and in fact, parental involvement was especially evident when behaviour by either sibling was not optimal.