AUTISTIC SIBLINGS: EXPECTATIONS, FEELINGS AND ACQUAINTANCESHIP

Abstract

Autism is a disorder that presents massive developmental prejudices, affecting drastically the family’s environment. There are many studies about the influences of autism in the parents and autistic children relationship but there are not many references related to the siblings. This study aimed to comprehend the living experience of autistics siblings. A qualitative methodology was carried out using semi-structured interviews as a tool to collect data. The participants were five youngsters of autistics siblings. Content analysis was used to discuss the data.  The knowledge about the autistic disorder; relationship, feelings and worries related to the sibling with autism; and the changes on family life were the main themes analyzed. The results showed that the participants were not aware of the autistic sibling´s condition because there was not enough information for them. Significantly changes had occurred in the family´s routine, the siblings were not able to do some activities due the autistic sibling condition. They suffer discrimination concerning the autistic sibling. Most participants worried about the responsibility for the autistic in the future. It is crucial to develop policies aiming to help the autistic siblings.

Descriptors: Autistic Disorder; Siblings; Family Relations.