Parents Socializing Sibling Relationships in European American and Asian American Families of Children with Autism in the United States

This study examined how parents in a European American and an Asian American family socialize sibling relationships. We describe parents. beliefs about autism and how these beliefs influence awareness-building of disability in their typically developing children and the expectations that parents have for sibling relationships. The role of parents in socializing sibling relationships is also described. Analyses were based on in-depth interviews with parents. Findings indicate that the two sets of parents differed in their beliefs, expectations, and practices. Sibling relationship outcomes also differed in the two families. Implications for research are described.