Watthanaree Ammawat. Adaptive behaviors in older siblings of children with autistic spectrum disorders. Master's Degree(Human Development ). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2009.
Adaptive behaviors in older siblings of children with autistic spectrum disorders
Abstract:
The adaptive behavior in siblings of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
during middle childhood (6-12 years old) is an important part of their development because it can affect
adaptation and behaviors in their later life.
This research is a cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the adaptive behavior of siblings
of children with ASD and factors affecting these adaptive behaviors. Purposive sampling was used to
select the older sibling of a child with ASD who received treatment or intervention at the National
Institute for Child and Family Development, Mahidol University; the Department of Occupational
Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University; and one private child development center in
Bangkok. Frequency, percentage, standard deviation, the Pearson product-moment correlation
coefficient, simple regression analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used for analysis.
The results of this study showed that the adaptive behavior in 86.0% of siblings of the
child with ASD was in the adequate range of standard score using Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
(VABS). Most children (97.7 %) had normal behavior as tested using the Strengths and Difficulties
Questionnaire (SDQ). Moreover, the study also found that factors such as age-spacing, number of
siblings, and family income significantly (p<0.05) affected adaptive behavior in siblings of children
with ASD. All factors such as severity of ASD, age spacing between the child with ASD and the older
siblings, number of siblings, level of stress, level of education, family income, number of people in the
family, and number of caregivers in the family can predict the adaptive behavior by 29.6%.
In addition, adaptive skills of siblings of children with ASD can predict their behavior
problem by 13.2%. The study found that the communication skill domains, daily living skill domains,
and socialization skill domains correlated with behavior problems and Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD).
Thus, the parents of children with ASD have to not only take care of the child with ASD
but also the siblings. Love and care are also important for well-being in physical and mental health in
siblings. In addition, the children can affect an appropriate adaptive behavior over time. Good adaptive
behaviors in older siblings promote happiness, positive attitude towards sibling activities, and support
the health and nurturing of children with ASD