Emotional and behavioral adjustment in typically developing siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Duerden et al. (2012) asked 486 typically developing brothers and sisters about their feelings and behaviors.

Parents filled out two checklists. The lists show if a child has anxiety, sadness, or acting-out problems.

The team compared scores to published norms for each age group.

Siblings of autistic children scored right at the average line. They did not show extra worry, sadness, or rule-breaking.

Boys and girls looked the same. Older and younger siblings looked the same.

Kovačič et al. (2020) paints a different picture. Their review of interviews found "significant distress" among siblings. The gap is about method, not truth. G et al. used number scores; T et al. used personal stories.

Stephens et al. (2018) used the same survey style on autistic children. Parent beliefs shaped problem scores there, just like here.

Kaan et al. (2025) asked why parents have another child after an autism diagnosis. Many hoped the new child would be a future friend and helper. G et al. shows those later-born brothers and sisters are doing fine emotionally.

You can reassure parents. Large survey data say typical siblings usually stay on an even keel. Still, keep listening. Qualitative work shows some brothers and sisters feel stress they may not report on a form. Offer sibling support groups or simple check-ins. A quick "How are you doing?" can catch the few who do need help.