Family experience of siblings of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Estelí, Nicaragua

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is within the neurodevelopmental disorders and is characterized by alterations related with the communication and social interaction, as well as by presenting fixed interests and repetitive behaviors (Kids Health, 2019). The objective of this study was to analyze the family experience of the siblings of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, in the city of Estelí. The methodology used was based on an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. The type of sampling was non-probabilistic and intentional, five families were selected that met the sampling criteria. The techniques used were In-depth interview and family test. The results show that the family experience of the siblings of children diagnosed with ASD, perform the fulfillment of duties in the life of their siblings such as: caregivers, protector and facilitator of the social relationship. For the siblings of autistic children not everything has been negative, in spite of the change that the new diagnosis has meant for the family, they show for the family greater empathy, tolerance to stress and capacity to adapt and a greater sense of responsibility for the care of the family. It is demonstrated that the parents have given their children a great deal of responsibility for the care of their siblings with autism. Most of the siblings who play the role of mother and father in the autistic child, is due to the absence of a father or mother figure, this fact in one of the factors that most affect attachment and overprotection toward the autistic siblings. Finally, a psychological intervention strategy applied to the siblings’ autistic children is proposed in order to improve their adaptation and reduce their stress.