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Siblings of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Theoretical Perspectives on Sibling Relationships and Individual Adjustment

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Abstract

A burgeoning research literature investigates the sibling relationships of youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their implications for individual adjustment. Focusing on four relationship domains—behaviors, emotions, cognitions and involvement—and toward advancing this generally atheoretical literature, we review and apply tenets from a range of theoretical perspectives in an effort to illuminate the mechanisms underlying sibling relationship experiences and their adjustment implications. Our review suggests new directions for research to test theoretically-grounded hypotheses about how sibling relationships develop and are linked to individual adjustment. In addition, we consider how identifying underlying bio-psycho-social processes can aid in the development of interventions to promote warm and involved sibling relationships and positive youth development.

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Acknowledgments

Support for this work was provided a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01-HD32336) to Susan M. McHale, Ann C. Crouter, Kimberly A. Updegraff, and Adrianna Umana-Taylor, Co-Principal Investigators.

Author Contributions

SM, KU and MF jointly conceived the paper, SM and KU conducted the literature review, SM developed an initial draft, KU (ecology) and MF (intervention) incorporated insights from their areas of expertise. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.

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McHale, S.M., Updegraff, K.A. & Feinberg, M.E. Siblings of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Theoretical Perspectives on Sibling Relationships and Individual Adjustment. J Autism Dev Disord 46, 589–602 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2611-6

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