Examining the Need for Autism Sibling Support Groups in Rural Areas

Abstract Research supports the development of support groups for siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, parent and sibling perceptions of the need for such involvement may differ. This study evaluated the responses of 27 parents and 11 siblings located in rural West Texas concerning their opinions regarding support groups. Parents were eager for their children to participate in such groups while siblings expressed less interest. The results highlighted the need for educating siblings concerning support systems. In addition, the outcomes suggested that support groups should focus on relationship building through child-centered activities with non-threatening learning opportunities. Siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) including those living in rural areas face a variety of issues. Family responsibilities resulting from caring for a child with ASD represent multidimensional challenges and difficulties (Sales, 2003) tending to influence all aspects of daily living. These families undergo disruption of family routines (Thara, 1994), emotional strain (Wing, 2004), and additional demands not experienced in the typical family situation (Harris & Glasberg, 2003). The symptoms of ASD appear to heighten the emotional and physical response in family members particularly the parents (Gray, 2002). Siblings undergo stress with an assortment of responses often tied to the family's level of acceptance and success with the child with ASD (Urlich, 2003). This study examined the perceived need for support programming for siblings of children with ASD living in rural West Texas from both the parental and sibling viewpoint. Common Concerns Faced by Families Families of children with ASD, including those living in rural areas, face complex factors impacting the functioning of the family system (Randall & Parker 1999). These include strained relationships with other family members and friends, modified family goals and activities, increased financial difficulties, social isolation, educational problems, and grieving (Naseef, 1989). Gray (2002) studied larger families that included a child with ASD. Results identified anger as a prevalent emotion. Kaminsky and Dewey (1999) examined parents raising children with ASD and reported significandy higher levels of stress than in families with typically developing children. Indeed, families living with children with ASD report many issues impacting the family's health and well-being. The Needs of Neurotypical Children Relatively little attention has been directed towards the needs of siblings of children with disabilities (Opperman & Alant, 2003). Opperman and Alant indicated that only 5% of adolescent participants with siblings with ASD felt supported by their parents. Some 47% of the respondents identified their extended family as providing support in their daily lives. Kaminsky and Dewey (2001) studied 90 children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 18. Siblings of children with ASD reported having less intimacy with the sibling with ASD and felt less nurturing towards that sibling particularly in terms of pre-social behavior and communication. Not all of the research specifies negative outcomes in families with children with ASD. Miller (2001) studied children between the ages of 10 and 16 with a variety of disabilities including ASD. Based on maternal reporting, Miller described diese sibling relationships as consistendy positive with litde or no feelings of jealousy or rivalry. Rivers and Stoneman (2003) reported that, while neurotypical siblings indicated less satisfaction with the sibling relationship as the child with ASD aged, they did not indicate unhappiness and generally viewed their sibling relationship more positively than did their parents. The research provides some information about why siblings react differently to life with a child with ASD. First, characteristics of adjustment displayed by siblings of children with ASD vary (Hastings, 2003). …