Behavioural problems, social competence and self-concept in

Behavioural problems, social competence and self-concept in siblings of children with autism

Child: Care, Health and Development
Volume 29 Issue 3 Page 193 - May 2003

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2214.2003.00331..x/abs/
Behavioural problems, social competence and self-concept in
siblings of children with autism
S. Verté, H. Roeyers and A. Buysse

Abstract

Introduction This study investigated the psychological adjustment
of siblings of children with high-functioning autism (HFA) in
comparison with siblings of normally developing children in the domain of
behavioural problems, social competence and self-concept.

Method Twenty-nine siblings of children with HFA and 29 siblings
of children without a disorder participated in the study. Standardized,
written questionnaires were used.

Results Siblings of children with HFA, especially brothers and
sisters between 6 and 11 years old, had more behavioural problems than
siblings of the control group. Sisters of children with HFA ascribed
higher social competence to themselves. Sisters of children with HFA
between 12 and 16 years old had a more positive self-concept. In both groups
siblings with a more negative self-concept had less social skills and
siblings with a more positive self-concept scored better in the social
domain. Finally, in accordance with the control group, the perception of
the siblings’ social competence of parents of children with HFA broadly
matched the perception siblings had of themselves.

Discussion Overall, siblings of children with HFA are not more
susceptible to adaptation problems than siblings of children without a
disorder. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.