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Applied behavior analysis programs for autism: sibling psychosocial adjustment during and following intervention use
1St. John's Land, Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh, Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, Scotland, UK. Katie.Cebula@ed.ac.uk
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|July 5, 2011
Summary
Siblings of children with autism in families using applied behavior analysis (ABA) intervention showed no significant behavioral differences compared to controls. However, parents and siblings perceived improved sibling interactions during ABA therapy.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) significantly impacts family dynamics and sibling well-being.
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a common intervention for children with ASD.
- Limited research exists on the psychosocial adjustment of siblings in families utilizing home-based ABA programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the psychosocial adjustment of siblings of children with autism receiving home-based ABA intervention versus those not receiving intensive intervention.
- To examine behavioral adjustment, sibling relationship quality, and self-concept in siblings.
- To explore parental and sibling perceptions of sibling interaction changes.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study design involving families with children diagnosed with autism.
- Data collection from parents, siblings, and teachers regarding psychosocial adjustment.
- Assessment of behavioral adjustment, sibling relationship quality, and self-concept.
Main Results:
- Siblings in families using ABA intervention reported no significant drawbacks or benefits in behavioral adjustment, relationship quality, or self-concept compared to control siblings.
- Parents and siblings perceived improvements in sibling interaction quality since the initiation of ABA, with parents expressing more positive views.
- Social support was positively correlated with better sibling outcomes across all participating groups.
Conclusions:
- Home-based ABA intervention for a child with autism does not appear to negatively or positively impact the psychosocial adjustment of their siblings.
- Perceived improvements in sibling relationships suggest a potential positive, though not statistically significant, effect of ABA on family interaction.
- The findings highlight the importance of social support systems in mitigating potential challenges for siblings of children with autism.
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