Look back at the years in our adolescence- the relationships between young adults and their autistic siblings
Date Issued
2014
Date
2014
Author(s)
Lin, Pei-Han
Abstract
The aim of this study was to better understand the feelings and experiences of people having siblings with autism. It especially focused on their interaction and service use experiences during adolescence. This study further explored how these experiences have influence on the meaning of life for the moment and for the future planning of the autistic sibling. Face to face interviews were conducted with 7 adult siblings. Findings of this study indicated that the sibling experiences were quite complicated and unique. However, one-way interaction patterns were typical, that is, the emotional exchange and feedback between them was unequal. The social and cultural aspects toward autism had great impact on the siblings’ self-esteem, especially during adolescence. It is worth mentioning that most siblings were hesitant to let their peers know that they had an autistic sibling. Although they did not know how to correctly describe the sibling with autism, the majority accepted autism, and actively defended the rights for their siblings. In terms of family relationships, it’s not surprising that mother carried most caring responsibilities, so did the siblings assume the role of parenting. Because parents spend most of their time in taking care of the autistic children, the “normal” siblings were less accompanied and listened during adolescence. In terms of service use, male primary caregiver used the least resources. Most of the resources were supplied for the primary caregiver and the autistic sibling. As a result, not much attention was paid to the needs of the “normal” siblings. The experiences of growing up with the autistic sibling made most participants more mature in character, be more emphatic, delicate, and sensitive; and had more opportunities to accept differences and disabilities. As for the planning of the future for the autistic sibling, it was found that female participants were relatively more sensitive and concerned. On the contrary, male respondents were more optimistic and be willing to take care of the autistic sibling in the future. Different options for the autistic sibling indeed existed, including institutional care for siblings with severe autism, and independent training for relatively non-severe autism. According to the research results, following suggestions were proposed. First, this study presented love and care existed among these siblings. Second, we should be supportive to those who have an autistic sibling, and to recognize their needs, and furthermore, to provide services, such as supportive groups to these “normal” siblings. Third, the government should pay more attention to all family members with autistic children, don’t let families carry the full responsibility of caring the autistic member alone.
Subjects
autism
adolescent
siblings
siblings’ interaction
life review
Type
thesis
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ntu-103-R00330007-1.pdf
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