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Functioning Among Typically Developing Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

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Abstract

The literature on typically developing siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD-Sibs) provides inconsistent results, with some studies reporting ASD-Sibs are more likely to have negative outcomes than comparison groups, and others reporting no significant differences. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to meta-analytically aggregate study effect sizes to more accurately calculate the degree to which ASD-Sibs function similarly or differently compared to siblings of people who do not have ASD. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they had a sample of ASD-Sibs older than 5; reported on emotional, psychological, behavioral, or social functioning; and provided information necessary for calculating relevant effect sizes. Results from 69 independent samples indicated that ASD-Sibs have significantly more negative outcomes than comparison groups overall (g = − 0.26); specific areas of functioning in which ASD-Sibs fared worse include internalizing behavior problems, psychological functioning, beliefs, social functioning, and the sibling relationship, but no significant differences in adjustment, attention/hyperactivity, externalizing behavior problems, coping, or family functioning. Noteworthy sub-areas of functioning in which ASD-Sibs also fared worse included beliefs about disability (g = − 0.56), anxiety symptoms (g = − 0.25), and depression symptoms (g = − 0.36). In terms of comparison group, ASD-Sibs had significantly lower functioning than siblings of individuals with other intellectual and developmental disabilities (g = − 0.31), including Down syndrome (g = − 0.40) and siblings of individuals without any disabilities (g = − 0.31). Clinicians and service providers should work to ensure that ASD-Sibs are included in family interventions and support strategies, and researchers should further explore individual differences that may relate to enhanced or impaired functioning in ASD-Sibs.

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Funding

This study was funded by the Virginia Tech Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment Scholars Program.

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  1. Virginia Tech, Human Development and Family Science, 309 Wallace Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA

    Carolyn M. Shivers

  2. Virginia Tech, Human Development and Family Science, Falls Church, VA, 22043, USA

    Jeffrey B. Jackson

  3. Virginia Tech, Human Development and Family Science, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA

    Casey M. McGregor

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  1. Carolyn M. Shivers
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Correspondence to Carolyn M. Shivers.

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Shivers, C.M., Jackson, J.B. & McGregor, C.M. Functioning Among Typically Developing Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 22, 172–196 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-018-0269-2

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