The child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: the perceptions of siblings

• Autor(a) principal: Costa, Teresa Macedo
• Data de Publicação: 2019
• Outros Autores: Pereira, Ana Paula da Silva
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/62558
• topic: Autism; Early intervention; Siblings; Family; Ciências Sociais::Ciências da Educação; Social Sciences

This study sets out to understand and analyse the perceptions of six children regarding the Autism Spectrum Disorder of their brother or sister. The present research encompasses a qualitative interview method, from which semi-structured interviews were carried out to participants ranging in ages from 10 to 12. The results of this study demonstrate that siblings, who have a high degree of knowledge and understanding about Autism Spectrum Disorder, feel less embarrassed and are better able to accept the challenges that this disorder causes. All participants indicate that: they have a solid and close relationship with their siblings, are more tolerant in the face of existing difficulties in their relationship; react negatively to the attitudes of others who are less understanding and tolerant; and are proud of their siblings with Autism Spectrum Disorder, for their progress and accomplishments. However, they continue to be unconditionally protective of their siblings in all situations.