Peer relationships, emotional and behavioral problems in siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Introduction: Growing up with a sibling with impaired communication and social interaction may also affect the social and emotional development of the siblings with typical development (TD).Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the peer relations and emotional and behavioral issues of TD siblings (n = 127) where one of their siblings has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).Design and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and September 2022. The data were collected with the Questionnaire Form, Friendship Qualities Scale (FQS), and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).Results: In the study, the number of children in the family, lifespan with a sibling with ASD, the age of the TD sibling, the increase in the total score of FQS, and able to invite friends home reduced the SDQ mean scores of TD siblings. As a result, there was a relationship between the peer relationships of the TD siblings of children with ASD and the difficulties they experience (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Future research should focus on how families can effectively support via peer relationships to TD siblings of children who have an ASD to improve the quality of family relationships.