Alberta Innovates- Health Solutions

Autism, a neurological disorder where children and adults appear locked in their own world, affects the entire family. AHFMR student, Laura Kaminsky, studied the social and psychological effects of living with a sister or brother with autism.

People with autism

• often have difficulty communicating verbally and non-verbally
• can exhibit unusual behaviour--repeated hand-flapping or rocking
• may be aggressive toward others or themselves

“People with autism have a lot of social and communication deficits that people with other mental disabilities don't have. I found that really interesting in terms of trying to connect with them,” the University of Calgary, Ph.D. student said.

Ms. Kaminsky hoped to determine, through her research on the siblings of children with autism, whether these children needed support groups to adjust. Previous research suggested they experienced

• loneliness
• stress
• difficulties with their peer group

Kaminsky's study involved siblings of three groups

1. normally developing children and adolescents
2. those with autism
3. those with Down syndrome

She used a sibling relationship questionnaire in each group measuring such things as

• closeness & intimacy
• conflict & rivalry
• parental favouritism

Although they had good social and psychological support, the children of this study did indicate they felt less nurtured by their affected sibling and there was less intimacy between them. “Some of these kids can't speak, so it makes sense that they can't talk and share secrets with their brothers and sisters.”

However, the children did report a greater admiration for their autistic siblings than did regular kids of their brothers and sisters.

For more information on autism, check the Autism Treatment Services of Canada website.