Abstract
Research findings describing the emotional and behavioral functioning of typically developing (TD) siblings of children with
autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are contradictory. Methodological issues, such as small study sample sizes and reliance on
parent report, may contribute to inconsistent findings. The purpose of this study was to use parent and teacher report to
describe presence of internalizing and externalizing behaviors among a large sample (n = 486) of TD siblings of children with ASD. Results indicated that siblings did not exhibit a disproportionate prevalence
of internalizing or externalizing symptoms in comparison to the standardization sample of the rating scale. The presence of
a sibling with an ASD may not be considered a risk-factor for adjustment problems among TD siblings.
autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are contradictory. Methodological issues, such as small study sample sizes and reliance on
parent report, may contribute to inconsistent findings. The purpose of this study was to use parent and teacher report to
describe presence of internalizing and externalizing behaviors among a large sample (n = 486) of TD siblings of children with ASD. Results indicated that siblings did not exhibit a disproportionate prevalence
of internalizing or externalizing symptoms in comparison to the standardization sample of the rating scale. The presence of
a sibling with an ASD may not be considered a risk-factor for adjustment problems among TD siblings.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1368-9
- Authors
- Allison G. Dempsey, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, MSB-2.106, 6431 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030-1503, USA
- Ashlie Llorens, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Christie Brewton, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Simmi Mulchandani, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Robin P. Goin-Kochel, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257