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Supporting Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Abstract

Research studies have shown the importance of early intervention services for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. However, most attention has been given to the effectiveness of treatments solely for children with ASDs. Because the family centered practice has been emphasized and supported by many researchers and legislation, involving family members other than children with ASDs and their parents in the assessing, planning, and implementing interventions is seen as crucial. The purpose of this article is to review what sibling relationships look like for a typically developing sibling of a child with an ASD and what resources are available for parents and specialists to support siblings of children with ASDs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Family & Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, 83844-3183, Moscow, ID, USA

    Ling-Ling Tsao & Cynthia Schmiege

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Idaho, 83944-3183, Moscow, ID, USA

    Randy Davenport

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  1. Ling-Ling Tsao
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  2. Randy Davenport
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  3. Cynthia Schmiege
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Correspondence to Ling-Ling Tsao.

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Tsao, LL., Davenport, R. & Schmiege, C. Supporting Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Early Childhood Educ J 40, 47–54 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-011-0488-3

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