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Lemoine L. Family Support for (Increasingly) Older Adults with Down Syndrome: Factors Affecting Siblings' Involvement. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2023; 27:315-335. [PMID: 35459404 DOI: 10.1177/17446295221082725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome is increasing, but older adults with Down syndrome are at greater risk of developing certain pathologies associated with ageing. When ageing parents can no longer look after their child with Down syndrome, their other children are often expected to shoulder this responsibility. METHOD We asked 120 adult siblings of a person with Down syndrome to complete a questionnaire on their current and anticipated relationships. RESULTS Most respondents considered these relationships to be positive, but they expressed concerns about the effects of ageing and about having to organise their sibling with Down syndrome's future life. We investigated the impact of factors relating to the respondents and to their sibling with Down syndrome (age, gender, social inclusion, protection regime) on these general tendencies. CONCLUSION Siblings need to be given support, for example, via discussion groups, to facilitate the transition to becoming caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lemoine
- Associate professor of developmental psychology, Laboratoire de Psychologie, Université de Rennes 2, Rennes, France
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2
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Koukouriki E, Athanasopoulou E, Andreoulakis E. Feelings of Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction in Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Role of Birth Order and Perceived Social Support. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:4722-4738. [PMID: 34741232 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05308-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Loneliness has been associated with several adverse psychosocial outcomes in childhood and adolescence. The present study aimed to investigate feelings of loneliness and social dissatisfaction in school-aged typically-developing (TD) siblings of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For this purpose, 118 siblings of children with ASD and 115 siblings of TD children and one of their parents participated in this study. Siblings of ASD-children reported higher levels of loneliness and social dissatisfaction than the controls. The hierarchical multiple regressions performed revealed that those feelings were inversely associated with being the first-born and with specific aspects of social support as perceived by the parent. The younger siblings of ASD-children seem to be in need of certain interventions beyond social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Koukouriki
- Special Education Laboratory, Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. .,Centre for Educational and Counseling Services of Trikala, 2 Botsari str, 42132, Trikala, Greece.
| | - Evangelini Athanasopoulou
- Community Centre for Mental Health of Children and Adolescents, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, General Hospital of Thessaloniki "G. Papanikolaou", 57010, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Elias Andreoulakis
- Adult Psychiatric Unit, Department of Thessaloniki, Hellenic Centre for Mental Health and Research, Thessaloníki, Greece
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Jurek L, Occelli P, Denis A, Amestoy A, Maffre T, Dauchez T, Oreve MJ, Baghdadli A, Schroder C, Jay A, Zelmar A, Revah-Levy A, Gallifet N, Aldred C, Garg S, Green J, Touzet S, Geoffray MM. Efficacy of parent-mediated communication-focused treatment in toddlers with autism (PACT) delivered via videoconferencing: a randomised controlled trial study protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044669. [PMID: 33827837 PMCID: PMC8031029 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intervention in the preschool period is currently recommended for autism spectrum disorder. Therapies delivered by parents are particularly suitable for young children. Preschool Autism Communication Trial (PACT) is a parent-mediated therapy that has shown a significant and sustained impact on autism symptom reduction. However, access to such evidence-based therapies for families is limited due to autism centres located in large urban areas. Using videoconferencing to deliver PACT training to parents may improve accessibility for families living in underserved areas. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This single-blind randomised controlled trial, involving six sites in France, will investigate the efficacy of a telehealth, videoconferencing-based, parent-mediated PACT therapy on autism symptoms, over a 12-month period. It will compare PACT plus treatment as usual (TAU) against TAU only in a cohort of 238 toddlers (119 per group) aged 18-36 months at inclusion and living with their families more than 40 min away from the specialist centres for autism. Primary outcome will include change of overall autism score on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes will measure change in child skills, child functioning, impact on parents (stress, health, priorities) and implementation characteristics. Repeated measures analyses will be used to test the effect of PACT intervention on the overall ADOS module 1 score over the 12-month study period. Linear mixed models will be used with time, treatment allocation and the interaction between treatment and time as fixed effects and individual variation as random effect. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol (V.5, date: 25 October 2019) is approved by the French National Review Board (reference no 2018-A02516-49). The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04244721.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Jurek
- Academic department of Child and adolescent neurodevelopmental psychiatry, Hospital Centre Vinatier, Bron, France
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Pauline Occelli
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Pôle de santé publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Angelique Denis
- Pôle de santé publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Anouck Amestoy
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thierry Maffre
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre de Ressources Autisme Midi-Pyrénées, University Hospital Centre Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Tom Dauchez
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Joelle Oreve
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Center of ressources in Autism and Center of Excellence in Autism and Neurodevelopment disorders, University Hospital Centre Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, "DevPsy", Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Carmen Schroder
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hopitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS UPR 3212 - Team 9, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Agathe Jay
- Academic department of Child and adolescent neurodevelopmental psychiatry, Hospital Centre Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - Amélie Zelmar
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Pôle de santé publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Anne Revah-Levy
- Centre de Soins Psychotherapeutiques de Transition pour Adolescents, Argenteuil Health and Social Services Centre, Lachute, Quebec, Canada
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, ECSTRRA Team UMR-1153, INSERM, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Natacha Gallifet
- Academic department of Child and adolescent neurodevelopmental psychiatry, Hospital Centre Vinatier, Bron, France
| | | | - Shruti Garg
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biological Medical & Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biological Medical & Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Sandrine Touzet
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Pôle de santé publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Maude Geoffray
- Academic department of Child and adolescent neurodevelopmental psychiatry, Hospital Centre Vinatier, Bron, France
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Sheikh R, Patino V, Cengher M, Fiani T, Jones EA. Augmenting Sibling Support with Parent-Sibling Training in Families of Children with Autism. Dev Neurorehabil 2019; 22:542-552. [PMID: 31216913 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2019.1629662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Typically developing (TD) siblings are an important part of the family system, but may show strained relationships in families of children with ASD. Objective: We augmented a sibling support group with parent-sibling training in which parents learned (through instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback) how to prompt and reinforce prosocial behaviors in their TD children. Method: We examined the effects of parent-sibling training on parent and TD sibling behaviors in a multiple baseline across families design. Results: Parent prompting and reinforcement of TD sibling prosocial behaviors increase. TD sibling prosocial behaviors such as sharing with and talking to their sibling with ASD also increased. Broader measures of the sibling relationship showed some improvements. Conclusion: Findings suggest ways to support families of children with ASD with future investigations of parent-sibling training examining longer intervention, all family members' adjustment and relationships, and sibling characteristics that influence response to parent-sibling training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridda Sheikh
- Department of Psychology, Queens College , Queens , NY , USA
| | - Vanessa Patino
- Department of Psychology, Queens College , Queens , NY , USA
| | - Mirela Cengher
- John Hopkins School of Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute , Columbia , MD , USA
| | - Theresa Fiani
- Department of Psychology, Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York , Queens , NY , USA
| | - Emily A Jones
- Department of Psychology, Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York , Queens , NY , USA
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5
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Touzet S, Occelli P, Schröder C, Manificat S, Gicquel L, Stanciu R, Schaer M, Oreve MJ, Speranza M, Denis A, Zelmar A, Falissard B, Georgieff N, Bahrami S, Geoffray MM. Impact of the Early Start Denver Model on the cognitive level of children with autism spectrum disorder: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial using a two-stage Zelen design. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014730. [PMID: 28348195 PMCID: PMC5372147 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the European French-speaking countries is heterogeneous and poorly evaluated to date. Early intervention units applying the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for toddlers and young children with ASD have been created in France and Belgium to improve this situation. It is essential to evaluate this intervention for the political decision-making process regarding ASD interventions in European French-speaking countries. We will evaluate the effectiveness of 12 hours per week ESDM intervention on the cognitive level of children with ASD, over a 2-year period. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study will be a multicentre, randomised controlled trial, using a two-stage Zelen design. Children aged 15-36 months, diagnosed with ASD and with a developmental quotient (DQ) of 30 or above on the Mullen Scale of Early Learning (MSEL) will be included. We will use a stratified minimisation randomisation at a ratio 1:2 in favour of the control group. The sample size required is 180 children (120 in the control and 60 in the intervention group). The experimental group will receive 12 hours per week ESDM by trained therapists 10 hours per week in the centre and 2 hours in the toddlers' natural environment (alternatively by the therapist and the parent). The control group will receive care available in the community. The primary outcome will be the change in cognitive level measured with the DQ of the MSEL scored at 2 years. Secondary outcomes will include change in autism symptoms, behavioural adaptation, communicative and productive language level, sensory profile and parents' quality of life. The primary analysis will use the intention-to-treat principle. An economic evaluation will be performed. DISSEMINATION Findings from the study will be disseminated through peer reviewed publications and meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02608333 (clinicaltrials.gov); Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Touzet
- Pôle Information Médicale Evaluation Recherche, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon F-69003, France
- Laboratoire Health Services and Performance Research, EA 7425 HESPER, Université de Lyon, Lyon F-69008France
| | - Pauline Occelli
- Pôle Information Médicale Evaluation Recherche, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon F-69003, France
- Laboratoire Health Services and Performance Research, EA 7425 HESPER, Université de Lyon, Lyon F-69008France
| | - Carmen Schröder
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hopitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67000, France
- CNRS UPR 3212—Team 9, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | | | - Ludovic Gicquel
- Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre Hospitalier Spécialisé Henri Laborit, Saint Benoît F-86280, France
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Unité de Recherche Clinique, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers F-86000, France
| | - Razvana Stanciu
- Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles 1020, Belgium
| | - Marie Schaer
- Office Médico-Pédagogique, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Joelle Oreve
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay F-78150, France
| | - Mario Speranza
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay F-78150, France
- EA 4047 HANDIReSP, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles F-78000, France
| | - Angelique Denis
- Pôle Information Médicale Evaluation Recherche, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon F-69003, France
- Laboratoire Health Services and Performance Research, EA 7425 HESPER, Université de Lyon, Lyon F-69008France
| | - Amelie Zelmar
- Pôle Information Médicale Evaluation Recherche, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon F-69003, France
- Laboratoire Health Services and Performance Research, EA 7425 HESPER, Université de Lyon, Lyon F-69008France
| | - Bruno Falissard
- Université Paris-Sud, CESP, INSERM, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, U1178, Maison de Solenn, Paris cedex 14, France
- Department of Public Health, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif F-94800, France
| | - Nicolas Georgieff
- Department of child and adolescent psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier le Vinatiers, Bron F-69500, France
- Université de Lyon, Lyon F-69008, France
| | - Stephane Bahrami
- EA 4047 HANDIReSP, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles F-78000, France
- CIC 1429, INSERM, AP-HP, Hôpital Raymond-Poincare, Garches F-92380, France
| | - Marie-Maude Geoffray
- Department of child and adolescent psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier le Vinatiers, Bron F-69500, France
- Université de Lyon, Lyon F-69008, France
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6
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Tekinarslan IC. A Comparison Study of Depression and Quality of Life in Turkish Mothers of Children with down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psychol Rep 2013; 112:266-87. [DOI: 10.2466/21.02.15.pr0.112.1.266-287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the quality of life and depression levels in Turkish mothers of children with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An additional purpose is to identify whether the depression and quality of life levels of the mothers differ significantly based on demographic variables. Two hundred fifty-two mothers participated in the study. The World Health Organization's Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF–TR) assessment instrument was used to determine the mothers' quality of life and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to characterize their depression. Mothers of children with cerebral palsy had significantly lower quality of life scores on the environment and national environment domains of the WHOQOL-BREF–TR than those of children with Down syndrome. No significant difference was observed in the depression of mothers. With increasing education and income, quality of life of the mothers increased whereas depression decreased. Moreover, depression increased and quality of life decreased in older mothers. Furthermore, the findings indicated significant negative correlations between mothers' depression and quality of life scores on all domains of the WHOQOL-BREF–TR.
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7
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Dempsey AG, Llorens A, Brewton C, Mulchandani S, Goin-Kochel RP. Emotional and behavioral adjustment in typically developing siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2012; 42:1393-402. [PMID: 21984214 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-011-1368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison G Dempsey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, MSB-2.106, 6431 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030-1503, USA.
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Orsmond GI, Kuo HY, Seltzer MM. Siblings of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder: sibling relationships and wellbeing in adolescence and adulthood. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2009; 13:59-80. [PMID: 19176577 DOI: 10.1177/1362361308097119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We investigated sibling relationships and wellbeing in adolescents and adults with a sibling with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Adolescents engaged in more shared activities than did adults. Adolescents reported greater social support, greater use of emotion-focused coping strategies, and less use of problem-focused coping than adults. In adulthood, females with a sister with ASD reported the most positive affect in the sibling relationship and men with a sister with ASD the least. Adolescents engaged in more shared activities and reported more positive affect in their sibling relationship when their sibling with ASD had fewer behavior problems; greater use of problem-focused coping buffered the negative effects of behavior problems on sibling engagement. For adults, more shared activities were observed when the sibling with ASD was younger in age and had fewer behavior problems; greater positive affect in sibling relationships was predicted by greater parental support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gael I Orsmond
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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9
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DeVany M, Alverson D, D'Iorio J, Simmons S. Employing telehealth to enhance overall quality of life and health for families. Telemed J E Health 2009; 14:1003-7. [PMID: 19035817 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2008.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the "family" is vital to a patient's overall healthcare picture. Telehealth's ability to support the family as they deal with their health needs should be a keystone to our mission. The availability of telehealth services can be a significant support, especially in the time of difficult health situations (cancer, abuse, pediatric needs, aging parents, financial strain) where keeping a family together and connected can be very beneficial to keeping that family foundation strong. As our society looks for ways to stretch the capabilities of our healthcare infrastructure, telehealth can help keep families connected in times of challenging healthcare situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary DeVany
- Avera Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57108, USA.
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10
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Lee LC, Harrington RA, Louie BB, Newschaffer CJ. Children with autism: quality of life and parental concerns. J Autism Dev Disord 2007; 38:1147-60. [PMID: 18058214 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-007-0491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2006] [Accepted: 10/24/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Past research has shown that children with autism and their families have compromised quality of life (QOL) in several domains. This study examined QOL and parental concerns in children with autism during early childhood, childhood, and adolescence compared to children with Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and to typical controls from a US national sample. Families with children diagnosed with autism reported more profound QOL effects than families of children with ADD/ADHD or unaffected controls. Children with autism were significantly less likely to attend religious services, more likely to miss school, and less likely to participate in organized activities. Parental concerns over learning difficulty, being bullied, stress-coping, and achievement were overwhelming in the autism group relative to the comparison groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ching Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Suite E6032, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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11
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Ross P, Cuskelly M. Adjustment, sibling problems and coping strategies of brothers and sisters of children with autistic spectrum disorder. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY 2006; 31:77-86. [PMID: 16782592 DOI: 10.1080/13668250600710864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Siblings of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) express more problem behaviours and experience more difficulties in their relationships than do children in families where all children are developing typically. We know little about what contributes to these difficulties. METHOD Mothers of a child with ASD completed the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach, 1991) with respect to a non-disabled sibling. Siblings responded to a questionnaire tapping their knowledge about their brother or sister's disorder. They reported on problems they had experienced with their brother or sister with ASD and on the coping strategies they had used in response to these events. Problems were classified into 1 of 5 problem types. RESULTS Aggressive behaviour was the most commonly reported interaction problem and anger was the usual response. Siblings did not generally choose blaming (either self or other) as a coping strategy when facing difficulties with their brother or sister with ASD. Neither coping strategies nor knowledge of ASD were associated with adjustment. Forty percent of non-disabled siblings had scores on the Child Behavior Checklist that placed them in the borderline or clinical range. CONCLUSIONS The current study indicated that siblings of children with ASD are at increased risk of developing internalising behaviour problems. The contributing factors to this outcome are unknown at this point. It is important for research to focus on dynamic variables in the search for these contributors, as they are open to change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Ross
- School of Education, University of Queensland, Australia
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12
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Hastings RP, Kovshoff H, Ward NJ, degli Espinosa F, Brown T, Remington B. Systems analysis of stress and positive perceptions in mothers and fathers of pre-school children with autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2006; 35:635-44. [PMID: 16177837 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-005-0007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Systemic analyses of psychological functioning in families of children with autism have typically shown that parents report different experiences (e.g., stress) and that siblings may also be affected. The purpose of the present research was more explicitly to address relationships between child, partner, and parent variables. Parents of 48 children with autism (41 mother-father pairs) reported on child characteristics, and their own stress and mental health. Mothers were found to report both more depression and more positive perceptions than fathers. Regression analyses revealed that paternal stress and positive perceptions were predicted by maternal depression; maternal stress was predicted by their children's behavior problems (not adaptive behavior or autism symptoms) and by their partner's depression. The future testing of the mechanisms underlying these results is discussed. In addition, the need is emphasized for more systemic analyses to understand the psychological functioning of children with autism and their siblings and parents.
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13
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Marciano ARF, Scheuer CI. Quality of life in siblings of autistic patients. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2005; 27:67-9. [PMID: 15867987 DOI: 10.1590/s1516-44462005000100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) among siblings of autistic patients. METHODS: Casuistic: siblings of autistic patients (n = 31) and, as a control group, siblings of patients with speech disorder (n = 30). Inclusion criteria: age between 7 and 11 years old; absence of current mental disorder; regular attendance to school. Exclusion criteria: antecedents of clinical or psychiatric diseases; disabilities (visual, auditive or motor); antecedents of cognitive and/or intelligence disabilities. Instruments included a questionnaire which evaluated the quality of life in a subjective way. RESULTS: it was observed worse QoL among siblings of autistic patients (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The hypothesis that the quality of life was compromised in children (aged 7 to 11) by the presence of an autistic sibling was confirmed, and was worse than that of siblings of children with speech disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Regina Ferreira Marciano
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Service (SEPIA), Institute of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Rivers JW, Stoneman Z. Sibling relationships when a child has autism: marital stress and support coping. J Autism Dev Disord 2003; 33:383-94. [PMID: 12959417 DOI: 10.1023/a:1025006727395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Family systems theory was employed to study sibling relationships in 50 families with a child with autism. Typically developing siblings expressed satisfaction with their sibling relationships. Parents were somewhat less positive about the sibling relationship than were the siblings themselves. As hypothesized, stress in the marital relationship was associated with compromised sibling relationships. Informal social support buffered the deleterious effects of marital stress on positive, but not negative, aspects of the sibling relationship. Contrary to predictions, families experiencing high marital stress who sought greater support from formal resources external to the family had typically developing siblings who reported a higher level of negative sibling behaviors than families who sought low levels of formal support. Findings reinforce the importance of considering family context as a contributor to the quality of the sibling relationship.
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Hastings RP. Behavioral adjustment of siblings of children with autism engaged in applied behavior analysis early intervention programs: the moderating role of social support. J Autism Dev Disord 2003; 33:141-50. [PMID: 12757353 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022983209004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
There have been few studies of the impact of intensive home-based early applied behavior analysis (ABA) intervention for children with autism on family functioning. In the present study, behavioral adjustment was explored in 78 siblings of children with autism on ABA programs. First, mothers' ratings of sibling adjustment were compared to a normative sample. There were no reported increases in behavioral adjustment problems in the present sample. Second, regression analyses revealed that social support functioned as a moderator of the impact of autism severity on sibling adjustment rather than a mediator or compensatory variable. In particular, siblings in families with a less severely autistic child had fewer adjustment problems when more formal social support was also available to the family. The implications of these data for future research and for practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Hastings
- School of Psychology, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG, Wales, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Existing research studies have shown mixed results relating to the impact upon children of having a sibling with a disability. However, siblings of children with autism may be more at risk than siblings of children with other disabilities. In the present study, data were gathered on 22 siblings of children with autism. These children were rated by their mothers as having more behavior problems and fewer prosocial behaviors than a normative sample. Analysis of variables predicting sibling behavioral adjustment revealed that boys with siblings who have autism, and also those younger than their sibling with autism, engaged in fewer prosocial behaviors. Psychological adjustment of mothers (stress) and the child with autism (behavior problems) were not predictive of sibling behavioral adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Hastings
- School of Psychology, University of Wales Bangor, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG, Wales, UK.
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Banks P, Cogan N, Riddell S, Deeley S, Hill M, Tisdall K. Does the covert nature of caring prohibit the development of effective services for young carers? BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2002. [DOI: 10.1080/030698802100002281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
This study investigated sibling relationships of children with autism compared to children with Down syndrome and siblings of normally developing children. Ninety siblings (30 per group) between the ages of 8 and 18 participated in this study. Results indicated that sibling relationships in families of children with autism were characterized by less intimacy, prosocial behavior, and nurturance than those of the two comparison groups. Both siblings of children with autism and siblings of children with Down syndrome reported greater admiration of their sibling and less quarreling and competition in their relationships relative to normally developing comparison children.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kaminsky
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Rodrigue JR, Geffken GR, Morgan SB. Perceived competence and behavioral adjustment of siblings of children with autism. J Autism Dev Disord 1993; 23:665-74. [PMID: 8106306 DOI: 10.1007/bf01046108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Compared 19 siblings of severely autistic children with 20 siblings of children with Down syndrome and 20 siblings of developmentally normal children. Results reveal that siblings of autistic children have more internalizing and externalizing behavior problems than siblings of developmentally normal children; however, the three groups did not differ significantly on measures of perceived self-competence or parents' report of social competence. Examination of demographic variables indicate that age of sibling and parents' marital satisfaction were associated with siblings' psychological functioning. Implications for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Rodrigue
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0165
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