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Applied Behavior Analysis Programs for Autism: Sibling Psychosocial Adjustment During and Following Intervention Use

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Abstract

Psychosocial adjustment in siblings of children with autism whose families were using a home-based, applied behavior analysis (ABA) program was compared to that of siblings in families who were not using any intensive autism intervention. Data gathered from parents, siblings and teachers indicated that siblings in ABA families experienced neither significant drawbacks nor benefits in terms of their behavioral adjustment, sibling relationship quality and self-concept compared to control group siblings, either during or following intervention use. Parents and siblings perceived improvements in sibling interaction since the outset of ABA, with parents somewhat more positive in their views than were siblings. Social support was associated with better sibling outcomes in all groups. Implications for supporting families using ABA are considered.

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Abbreviations

ABA:

Applied behavior analysis

CA:

Chronological age

GARS:

Gilliam Autism Rating Scale

PSI:

Parenting Stress Index

SIB:

Sibling Inventory of Behavior

SDQ:

Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

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Acknowledgments

Many thanks to all of the siblings, parents and teachers who were so generous in sharing their time and experiences. Thanks for assistance in contacting families is also extended to: A Bridge to Learning, Berkshire Autistic Society, Eastleigh & Winchester Autistic Society, Fife Action on Autism, London Early Autism Project, National Autistic Society, Scottish Society for Autism, Southampton Childhood Autism Programme, Parents and Professionals and Autism, Parents’ Education as Autism Therapists, Parents for the Early Intervention of Autism in Children, and Parents of Hertfordshire for Early Autism Intervention Today. Many thanks to Prof. Jennifer Wishart, Prof. Richard Hastings, Dr. Evelyn McGregor, and reviewers for helpful advice on this research/earlier drafts of this paper. The reported research was supported by a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship.

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  1. St. John’s Land, Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh, Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ, Scotland, UK

    Katie R. Cebula

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  1. Katie R. Cebula
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Correspondence to Katie R. Cebula.

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Cebula, K.R. Applied Behavior Analysis Programs for Autism: Sibling Psychosocial Adjustment During and Following Intervention Use. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 847–862 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1322-x

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