The forgotten child: Supporting siblings of children on the autism spectrum, a review article

Pages: 217-220
Yusra Asif (Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh)

While there is a widespread focus on providing interventions for children on the autism spectrum, little attention has been paid to providing socio-emotional support to siblings of “focal” children. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the typically developing siblings of autistic children, discuss the multitude of impacts this sibling relationship has on them and accent the suggested interventions for providing support. This review’s outcomes have two major consequences for future studies and therapies. Firstly, this review indicates that more research is needed due to the significant life-long implications that this relationship may have. Second, more emphasis should be placed on providing assistance and designing therapies for siblings of autistic children. This article suggests the utilization of support group models and play therapy interventions to provide support to siblings of children with autism.vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv