Autism and Its Impact on Families

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects a person’s social interactions, communication, and behaviors and is often characterized by repetitive interests or activities. Those with autism often deal with other physical and mental health conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and more. According to the CDC, 1 in every 36 children is diagnosed with ASD in the U.S., and research shows that families with autism face a unique set of challenges and dynamics that may require different coping strategies and additional support.

The initial diagnosis period can be particularly overwhelming for parents as they deal with feelings of grief and stress while learning about autism and setting up medical appointments for their child. According to Autism Speaks, those with ASD may be more likely to experience challenging behaviors such as aggression, self-injury, and destructive behavior. Many parents feel isolated because of their child’s challenging behaviors in public and the lack of support in their social circles (Sanchez Amate and Luque de la Rosa, 2024). Additionally, some siblings of autistic children face feelings of frustration over the amount of attention their parents give to their affected sibling and experience some negative effects such as increased anxiety and stress in the home (Quatrosi et al., 2023). 

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a non-profit dedicated to providing research backed information to caregivers and families with autism, and they have developed Autism Sibling Support resources for children and teenagers with ASD siblings. OAR offers free online guides that validate siblings’ feelings while providing age-appropriate tips on how to deal with common difficulties at home. They also have other online guidebooks for parents and caregivers on safety, navigating the education system, transitioning into adulthood, and more. Additionally, Autism Speaks has a wealth of information and tools to help families thrive. In recent years, it has launched at Autism Response Team (ART) that offers personalized information and referrals to service providers in your own community. You can reach them Monday through Friday by calling 1-888-AUTISM2 (1-888-288-4762) or by clicking here and filling out an information request form. 

References:

Sánchez Amate, J. J., & Luque de la Rosa, A. (2024). The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental Health: Challenges, Emotional Impact, and Coping Strategies. Brain sciences, 14(11), 1116. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111116

Quatrosi, G., Genovese, D., Amodio, E., & Tripi, G. (2023). The Quality of Life among Siblings of Autistic Individuals: A Scoping Review. Journal of clinical medicine, 12(3), 735. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12030735