By Nohelis Mena

This literature review was written by Nohelis Mena from Florida International University. It considers the study of typical siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most research conducted regarding family life and ASD is centered around parents and their emotional state. With the few studies that have observed siblings, it has been noted that siblings of children with ASD develop empathy and patience, as well as mature mentally much sooner than their peers. Though these may seem to be considered positive outcomes to such a situation, it can also be compared to the feeling of loneliness and the role substitute parenting in which typical siblings tend to adopt.

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