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Sibling Relationships of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Context of Everyday Life and a Strength-Based Program

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Abstract

This research examined mothers’ and sisters’ perceptions of sibling relationships in families with a brother with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the context of a strengths-based, family-focused 3D technology program designed for youth on the spectrum. Seven sisters and six mothers participated in semi-structured interviews, which were coded for emergent themes. Both similarities and differences between sisters’ and mothers’ perceptions of the sibling relationship emerged from the narratives. Sisters and mothers framed the sibling relationship differently within the context of everyday life activities compared to the context of their brother’s involvement in the technology program that highlighted his skills and abilities. Within the context of everyday life, sisters described the dual nature of their relationships, involving both positive and negative qualities, whereas mothers focused on the challenges in the sibling relationship. Both mothers and sisters identified the “sister” role in the sibling relationship as that of a nurturer. Within the context of the technology program, mothers and sisters both perceived the boys’ roles as shifting positively relative to the context of everyday life. Sisters spoke of a sense of pride in their brother’s accomplishments in 3D design, whereas mothers spoke about their children being more engaged with one another because of their shared interests in the program. We discuss implications for interventions with families with a child with ASD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, 225 South 1400 East, Rm. 228 AEB, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0080, USA

    Marissa L. Diener, Laura Anderson & Cheryl A. Wright

  2. Brenau University, Gainesville, GA, USA

    M. Louise Dunn

Authors
  1. Marissa L. Diener
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  2. Laura Anderson
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  3. Cheryl A. Wright
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  4. M. Louise Dunn
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Correspondence to Marissa L. Diener.

Appendix

Appendix

Interview Questions for Siblings

  • Tell me about a typical day in your house with your brother.

  • Tell me about your relationship with your brother.

  • What is your favorite thing to do with your brother?

  • What is challenging with your brother?

  • What do you know about SketchUp?

  • What have you seen your brother do with SketchUp?

Interview Questions for Mothers

  • Tell me about the relationship between your children.

  • What are some things that your children enjoy doing together?

  • What are some things that are difficult for your children to do together?

  • What was your experience with the SketchUp workshops?

  • Did your other child (sibling) have a role in the workshops? If so, what was it? If not, why not?

  • What did your child (sibling) enjoy about the workshops?

  • What were the challenges for your child (sibling) with the workshops?

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Diener, M.L., Anderson, L., Wright, C.A. et al. Sibling Relationships of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Context of Everyday Life and a Strength-Based Program. J Child Fam Stud 24, 1060–1072 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-014-9915-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-014-9915-6

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