Behavioural problems, social competence and self-concept in siblings of children with autism

Introduction This study investigated the psychological adjustment of siblings of children with high-functioning autism (HFA) in comparison with siblings of normally developing children in the domain of behavioural problems, social competence and self-concept. Method Twenty-nine siblings of children with HFA and 29 siblings of children without a disorder participated in the study. Standardized, written questionnaires were used. Results Siblings of children with HFA, especially brothers and sisters between 6 and 11 years old, had more behavioural problems than siblings of the control group. Sisters of children with HFA ascribed higher social competence to themselves. Sisters of children with HFA between 12 and 16 years old had a more positive self-concept. In both groups siblings with a more negative self-concept had less social skills and siblings with a more positive self-concept scored better in the social domain. Finally, in accordance with the control group, the perception of the siblings' social competence of parents of children with HFA broadly matched the perception siblings had of themselves. Discussion Overall, siblings of children with HFA are not more susceptible to adaptation problems than siblings of children without a disorder. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.