Factors associated with the adjustment of typically developing siblings from single-incidence, multiple-incidence and non-autism spectrum disorders families

Abstract

This study investigated the broader autism phenotype (BAP) in mothers and siblings and the mothers’ stress and perceived support levels as factors affecting typically developing siblings’ adjustment by introducing the number of children with autism spectrum disorders (n-ASD) as a factor. The sample consisted of 25 families with multiple-incidence autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children (multiplex families), 38 families with single-incidence ASD children (simplex families), and 46 families with non-ASD children. The data were collected via mothers by the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, Family Support Scale, Questionnaire on Resources and Stress, Social Communication Questionnaire, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, siblings and mothers’ BAP, maternal stress, and perceived support levels significantly differed depending on the n-ASD, and the n-ASD was a significant predictor of both siblings’ problem behaviors and prosocial behaviors. These findings were discussed, and limitations and suggestions were included.