Short Report: Outcomes for siblings associated with sub-groups of autistic children with intellectual disability identified by latent profile analysis

Background: Recent research suggests that having a brother or sister with autism may contribute to increased positive or negative emotional or psychological impact on siblings. Aims: To use a novel multidimensional data analysis method to further understand outcomes for siblings of autistic children. Methods and Procedures: 318 siblings of children with a recorded autism diagnosis and an intellectual disability were included for latent profile analysis. Five variables (DBC disruptive and anxiety; VABS II communication, daily living, and socialization skills) were used to identify sub-groups of autistic children. Primary carers reported on sibling relationship quality (items from the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire warmth/closeness and conflict scales), and siblings' behavioral and emotional problems. Outcomes and results: The profile groups differed in their levels of ID coupled with disruptive behavior, emotional problems and adaptive skills. Profiles included a severe ID, low behavior and emotional problems and low adaptive skills group; a group with mild ID coupled with high adaptive skills and low emotional and behavioral problems; and a mild ID group with high emotional and behavioral problems. Conflict in the sibling relationship differed across the profile groups (F (4304) = 15.13, p < .001). Conclusions and implications: Siblings of autistic children with the highest support needs were reported to have the lowest conflict in their relationships. Conversely, siblings of the autistic children with the highest levels of externalizing behaviors and anxiety were reported to have the highest levels of conflict in the sibling relationship.

Automated summary

Recent research suggests that having a brother or sister with autism may have both positive and negative impacts on the siblings' emotional and psychological well-being. This study used a multidimensional data analysis method to further understand the outcomes for siblings of autistic children. The findings indicate that the levels of intellectual disability, behavioral and emotional problems, and adaptive skills vary among different profile groups, and the conflict in sibling relationships differs across these groups.