Researchers at Syracuse University found, from a study of New York Families, that the siblings of preschoolers with autism can lean towards exhibiting autism-like behaviors themselves.
The study authors officially reported that elementary-aged children with younger siblings on the spectrum are not significantly different from typically developing children, but that teachers often notice that these children exhibit hyperactivity, fidgeting and attention problems.
A write-up of the study at redOrbit attributes the difference in behavior to mothers who are stressed or depressed by the demands of caring for their younger children. The authors highlight the importance of finding help for day-to-day care, and of finding time for parents to be individuals as well as caregivers.
You can read more about the study
here.
For more information on family dynamics, check out some of the titles we've highlighted in the past
here and on the main
CeDIR blog.
Autism and Me: Sibling Stories is a collection of short essays by children and teenagers with autistic siblings, compiled by Ouisie Shapiro. These young writers describe daily life in their households, and the quirks that make their brothers and sisters unique and lovable. Filled with bright, candid photographs, this book banishes stereotypes and is ideal for new siblings, neighbors, or other children who are unfamiliar with disorders in the autistic spectrum.
Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism Spectrum is a four program DVD for siblings of children on the autism spectrum and their parents. Each program is arranged for different age levels which can help siblings understand autism spectrum better. Program one deals with puppets and explains autism to children ages four to seven. Program two includes interviews and narrations for siblings by siblings, ages seven to twelve. Program three is for siblings ages twelve to adulthood. This program includes interviews and narrations. The final program is for parents. It includes interviews and narrations by parents.
