“Autism is a pervasive, multi-factorial, highly heritable, clinically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with prominent impairments in social reciprocity, language impairment and restricted repetitive behaviors or interests” (Gau, et al., 2010). Sibling relationships are important. Sibling relationships last longer than any other relationships within the family, and it is here that brothers and sisters develop self-identity, companionship, social skills and mutual support (Stoneman J. W., 2003). There has been increasing research into the impact of a child with a disability on their fellow sibling/s either directly or indirectly and some studies suggest that having a child with a disability will have a negative affect on the non autistic child’s adjustments which includes loneliness and hassles with their siblings behaviors (Bagenholm & Gillberg, 1991), externalizing and internalizing behavior problems (Fisman et al, 1996, 2000: Rodigue, Geffken & Morgan, 1993), depression, (Gold 1993) and siblings interactions which are less socially reciprocal (Knott et al 1995). The observations gleaned from normal siblings relationships which are characterized by shifts in emotions and feelings of resentment, jealousy, embarrassment, pride, affection and comradeship, assist to compare the relationships between autistic individuals and their siblings.
An increase in disturbance in both typically developing and disabled children is noted when there are poor family relationships, marital discord, or insufficient parental support. On the other hand, warm, harmonious family relationships have a protective effect, even when the impairment of autism is severe (McHale et al 1984). (McHale et al 1986) reported that siblings viewed their relat...
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...marital stress, would report less positively to sibling relationships than children who are in families with less marital stress. Families use a variety of coping mechanisms in response to stress. One problem solving, coping mechanism is social support (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). Access to social support has been related to a positive child and family outcomes in families of children who suffer from disabilities including autism (Beckman 1991). Contrary to predictions, families who experienced high levels of marital stress sought greater support from formal resources external to the family had more typically developing siblings who reported a higher number of negative sibling behaviours than families who sought sort a lower level of formal support. This reinforced the importance of considering family context as a contributor to the quality of sibling’s relationships.
When two children are brought up by the same parent in the same environment, one might logically conclude that these children will be very similar, or at least have comparable qualities. In Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," however, this is not the case. The only thing Maggie and Dee share in common is the fact that they were both raised by the same woman in the same home. They differ in appearance, personality, and ideas that concern the family artifacts.
This Clinical Research Paper defines autism, the various impacts of the disorder, and the theories that can be applied to this type family dynamic. The basis of this research project stems from the semi- structured interviews that Ashley Hartmann conducted. She studied half on the perspectives of the siblings and that of the parent’s perspective and discovered various themes that arose from this study. In findings a total of 12 themes emerged between the siblings and parents; in the sibling interviews; knowledge of Autism, affect on relationships, feelings of sibling’s autism diagnosis, future care for sibling, meaning, acceptance and advice and extended family. In the parent’s interviews, feelings around autism, knowledge around autism, life changes, affect on relationships, support systems and acceptance, meaning and advice. She also highlights the stress that affects the family system, but also reveals the many resources and services to better assist these individuals and their family.
It is apparent that children with autism places more psychological and physical burden over the shoulders of their parents and siblings than children with normal intellectual intelligence. There are many reasons that attest to this hypothesis. Firstly, a child with autism usually suffers from a degree of mental retardation combined with language problems. This collective disability can be manifested through the individuals’ inability to express his/her wants and needs. In such case, families are forced to figure out what is that their child is trying to communicate through their inappropriate behaviors such as screaming or tantruming. The process of determining the causes of...
In Disabilities Vol. 2 a theory is presented on the effects experienced by the siblings of autistic children. This theory states that parents of children with autism typically give more time and energy to their autistic child than their other children. It also theorizes that although no formal expectations of the non-autistic child are established, they feel a responsibility to take over the role of care giver for the autistic sibling once the current care givers, in this case the parents, are gone. Another theory presented in this publication is...
It has been found that sibling physical abuse occurs much more frequently than abuse by parents. Sibling abuse is defined as the physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse from one sibling to the other. It is estimated that 53% of children physically abuse a sibling each year. Older siblings are much more likely to abuse the younger siblings, especially older male siblings, while younger female siblings are most likely to be victims of sibling abuse. Sibling abuse often goes undetected or slips under the radar because parents think it’s normal, or choose not to take action. A parent’s reaction is vital in sibling abuse, as it gives a chance for remediation and healing for both the perpetrator and the victim.
Boyd, B. A. (2002). Examining the relationship between stress and lack of social support in mothers of children with autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 17, 208-215.
"The Affects of Autism in Families and in Partner Relationships - Autism College." Autism College. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.
Orsmond, G. I., Krauss, M. W., & Seltzer, M. M. (2004). Peer relationships and social and recreational activities among adolescents and adults with autism. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 34(3), 245-256.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that effects the brains development. It is characterized by affecting communication, cognition and social interaction. The spectrum of the disorders ranges from a mild condition called Asperger’s syndrome to a more severe form, which severely impairer’s development. The Office of Communications and Public Liaison states that the disorder affects one and eighty-eight children, however ASD effects boys more frequently than girls (Office of Communications and Public Liaison, 2013). ASD emerges in all age, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The significant varied character and severity of the disorder is why ASD is considered a spectrum that poses a broad range of symptoms.
Autism is an intricate developmental disorder that is characteristically noticed by parents and or diagnosed by parents between the ages of eight-teen months and three years of age. In recent studies, Werner (2001) isolated themes from in-depth interviews conducted with different parents of children with autism. These themes included the following findings: the family’s life revolves around dealing with the child’s autism and unusual behaviors; parents feel losses because they and their children cannot lead a so called normal life; and the family experiences only fleeting moments of actually feeling like a typical family. Autism does not effect a particular type of person it occurs in all social, racial, and ethnic groups.
Even though these students are in a least restrictive special education settings compared to their lower-functioning peers, challenging behaviors occur that can affect them educationally and socially. Lack of social skills behavior such as inappropriate responses and turn-taking can also affect the confidence in the child with autism and their willingness to make and keep friends. These weakened social skills traits for children on the spectrum can lead to isolation and loneliness from their same aged peers and can also inhibit the development of intelligence, language, and other related skills (Guralnick, 1981). Parental and familial involvement is also affected from raising a child on the spectrum and research shows that raising a child with ASD negatively impacts the well-being of parents and families regardless of symptom severity, suggesting that even families of children with ‘‘higher-functioning’’ ASD are negatively affected (Karst, et al., 2014). The families can be affected emotionally, socially and economically as
There are many things to love in life. Family and friends, pets and even hobbies can be loved. While I personally believe that love is a very strong word, I do have things I love. Please join me in learning more about myself as I explain why family and friends have a special place in my heart.
There are many differences between friends and family, such as whether the relationship will change, what kind of relationships they have and if they live together or not. Each parts show the essential differences between them.
After writing about my history and the themes I selected, I have learned a lot about who I am in society. I have realized that I am an average girl that has not experienced much of life. During this analysis I have come to realize I have not had much contact with other family types or other cultures.
There are so many different types of family relationships. Whatever form a family takes; it is an important part of everyone’s life. My family has played an important role in my life. Good family relationships serve as a foundation to interactions with others. Supportive families will help children to thrive. The quality of the family relationship is more important than the size of the family. Making the relationships priority, communication, and providing support for one another is key to developing relationships. Family relationships are what make up our world today; they shape the ways that we see things and the ways that we do things.