How do typically developing brothers and sisters accept their siblings with Down syndrome or autism? An examination of personal characteristics.
Boosting optimism in young brothers of autistic clients increases their acceptance and future caregiving willingness.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Alon (2026) asked 18- to 25-year-old brothers and sisters how they felt about their siblings with Down syndrome or autism.
The survey looked at optimism, positive feelings, and how independent the sibling was.
It also checked if sex or diagnosis changed the link between feelings and acceptance.
What they found
Higher optimism and more positive feelings predicted greater acceptance of the sibling.
The link was strongest for brothers of autistic siblings.
When the sibling needed more help, optimism mattered even more.
How this fits with other research
Alon (2024) found the same optimism-emotion pattern in Down-syndrome-only siblings, so the result replicates.
Galuska et al. (2006) saw no adjustment differences between younger siblings of kids with Down syndrome and typical peers. The new study shows optimism, not diagnosis, drives later acceptance—so the papers agree once you look at mindset.
Faso et al. (2016) showed closeness grows from adolescence to adulthood. Alon (2026) adds that optimism speeds up that closeness.
Why it matters
You can teach optimism skills to brothers of autistic clients. Try brief gratitude or best-possible-self writing before family sessions. Track if sibling cooperation rises during home programs.
Want CEUs on This Topic?
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ free CEUs — live every Wednesday. Ethics, supervision & clinical topics.
Join Free →Start a five-minute daily optimism journal with the neurotypical brother before home sessions.
02At a glance
03Original abstract
Typically developing siblings' acceptance of a sibling with Down syndrome (DS) or autism influences the nature of sibling relations and their willingness to care for their sibling with disability in the future. Optimism is a central personality characteristic in coping with challenging life situations and the emotions toward the sibling with Down syndrome/autism are prominent in siblings' adjustment to their complex circumstances. The current study examined how optimism and emotions toward a sibling with Down syndrome or autism influence typically developing siblings' acceptance of their sibling with a disability. The role of demographic variables (sex of the typically developing sibling, diagnosis, and independent functioning of the sibling with disability) was also considered. Participants included 520 Jewish-Israeli siblings (189 brothers, 331 sisters, aged 18-27). Of these, 284 had siblings with Down syndrome, and 236 had siblings with autism. Siblings completed self-report questionnaires on optimism, emotions, and acceptance. Hierarchical regressions with three-way interactions revealed that optimism, sex, and the sibling's diagnosis and independent functioning explained a significant portion of variance in acceptance. The findings highlight the importance of fostering optimism and emotional processing, particularly for siblings of individuals with autism and among brothers. These results have implications for interventions aimed at improving sibling relationships and future caregiving.Lay AbstractBeing a brother or sister to an individual with Down syndrome or autism can shape how siblings feel about and care for their sibling with the disability. This study looked at how optimism (a general positive outlook) and emotions relate to accepting the individual with the disability. The study also considered whether the non-disabled sibling's gender, diagnosis (Down syndrome or autism), and level of independent capability of the sibling with the disability contributed to the acceptance levels. Participants in the study were 520 Jewish-Israeli young adults (ages 18-27) who had a sibling with Down syndrome or autism. They answered questions about their emotions, optimism, and acceptance of the sibling with the disability. The results showed that optimism and emotions were important for acceptance, but this varied depending on whether the typically developing sibling was male or female, whether the sibling had Down syndrome or autism, and their level of independent capability. These findings suggest that helping siblings, especially brothers of individuals with autism, build optimism and process their emotions, can improve sibling relationships and support future caregiving roles.
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 2026 · doi:10.1177/13623613251366870