ABSTRACT
The increased prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has caused a clinical need for interventions to address the unique problems present in families of children with ASD. Previous research supports the benefit of Neurotypical (NT) siblings in mediating communication, social, and relationship deficits in both their sibling with ASD and the familial system. This systematic review examined present measures, outcomes, and intervention characteristics of sibling mediated interventions within families of children with ASD, with 10 studies meeting criteria to be included in this review. Outcomes varied within these small samples, but included gains in reciprocal play, communication, and positive regard between a NT sibling and one with ASD, and positive regard within the familial system. Systemic intervention research using siblings of children with ASD should utilize standardized measurements to increase replicability for clinicians attempting to implement the intervention, as well as larger samples and more diverse participants for increased generalizability.
KEYWORDS:
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).