The influence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on sibling relationships: An integrative literature review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/1984686X92396

Keywords:

Autism spectrum disorder, Siblings, Relationships

Abstract

The family, especially parents and siblings, forms the core where the first interpersonal relationships are established, providing support and security. When a sibling is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), significant changes occur in family dynamics to adjust to the specific needs of the child with ASD. These changes, which affect routines and family quality time, may influence behavior, socioemotional skills, and sibling relationships.

This study proposes to analyze, through an integrative literature review, the influence of ASD on sibling relationships. In this context, 18 studies published between 2015 and 2024 were identified, with methodological approaches focusing on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research.The databases used were: Web of Science, Scopus, and Scielo. The search was carried out using keywords in European and Brazilian Portuguese and English, namely: Portuguese: PEA OR autism AND siblings AND relationships; siblings AND PEA; English: ASD OR autism spectrum disorder AND siblings; siblings AND ASD. The study concludes that, although relationships between siblings with and without ASD are challenging, they also foster the development of social and emotional skills. The importance of family and community support is emphasized to minimize negative impacts and strengthen family bonds.

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Author Biographies

Alícia Rodriguez, Municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão

Alícia Rodriguez is a Social Educator and holds a Master’s degree in Special Education, with a specialization in Early Childhood Intervention, from the University of Minho. Her main areas of interest focus on working with children, young people, and their families, aiming to promote socio-emotional skills, integration, and inclusion, as well as empowering families to take an active role in society.

Ana Paula da Silva Pereira, Centro de Investigação em Estudos da Criança

Associate Professor at the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, Coordinator of the Master's Degree in Special Education, specialization area in Early Intervention, PhD in Child Studies, specialty area in Special Education, Researcher member at the Research Center on Child Studies (CIEC), and Member of the Supervision of the North Regional Subcommittee, of the National System of Early Childhood Intervention.
She coordinates the Luso Brasileiro Project: Early Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a member of the national project team: Robotics and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and was a member of international projects: Vocational Training for Physiotherapists about Family Centered and Play Based Approaches in Early Childhood Intervention , and KIDS STRENGTHS Project - Kids in the Context of Mental Disorders: Skill Training to Empower Teachers, Health Professionals and Social Workers.
The main scientific interests focus on the areas of early childhood intervention, autism spectrum disorder, authentic assessment and special educational needs. She supervises Masters and PhD students and is the author or co-author of approximately 100 publications, of which 46 are indexed in the international databases Web of Science, Scopus and Qualis.

Elsa Marta Soares, Harley Street Medical Center

Senior Speech and Language Therapist at Harley Street Medical Center Abu Dhabi. Elsa Marta Soares completed the PhD in Child Studies - Special Education Branch in 2013 at the University of Minho. Post Graduation in Special Education - Early Intervention in 2009 - University of Minho. Degree in Speech Therapy (2007) by Superior School of Health - Polytechnic of Oporto.  Past experience: (October 2021 - September 2022) Adjunct Professor at the Polytechnic of Oporto, Superior School of Health (2013- september 2021) as Adjunct Professor at Superior School of Health - Polytechnic of Leiria, Researcher at the Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology - Polytechnic of Leiria. Coordinator of the Department of Health Sciences and Technologies of the Superior School of Health - Polytechnic of Leiria. 

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Published

2025-07-21

How to Cite

Rodriguez, A., Pereira, A. P. da S., & Soares, E. M. (2025). The influence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on sibling relationships: An integrative literature review . Special Education Magazine, 38(1), e50/1–17. https://doi.org/10.5902/1984686X92396

Issue

v. 38 n. 1 (2025): Revista Educação Especial – Publicação Contínua

Section

Revisão de literatura/Estudo teórico

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