The Adolescence of Brother of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract:

This study aimed to understand how adolescents who have siblings with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience adolescence in the family based on developmental tasks (physical transformations, search for identity, and autonomy). This study also aimed to understand how these siblings perceive the repercussions of ASD in adolescence and in the family and the roles they play in this context. For this, a multiple case study was carried out with six adolescents who were aged from 12 to 18 years, using semi-structured interviews and photographic records. Results were examined by thematic analysis and showed that the experience of having a sibling with ASD failed to prevent adolescents from carrying out developmental tasks. On the other hand, other challenges can also impact these processes, such as specific characteristics of ASD and being placed in the role as co-therapist. This study concludes that participants’ adolescent experience of living with a sibling with ASD resembled expected aspects for this stage of development, but with particularities, such as experiencing challenges within and outside the family and personal and family transformations.

Keywords:  Autism; Fraternal Relations; Developmental Tasks; Multiple Case Study