La influencia de un hermano con autismo sobre la calidad de vida familiar

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to value the experience of autistic siblings because of the special characteristics this disability presents. Sibling perceptions are evaluated in two aspects: the influence of the experience on the Family Quality of Life and the special characteristics sibling relationship could have in this case. Also it is analyzed if there are differences on their perceptions depending on their age: childhood, adolescence or adults. The method had two important stages: in the first stage, with a quantitative methodology, the Spanish Family Quality of Life Scale (Verdugo, Sainz and Delgado, 2003) was adapted for this research, and subsequently was applied on 17 siblings. In the second stage, using a complementary and qualitative technique, three discussion groups were designed and programmed. The main results were: a) the experience of autistic siblings has not a negative impact on the Family Quality of life; b) the most valued dimensions were Health and Security and Supports for the person with disability; and c) some autism characteristics, such as behaviour disorders, had an special influence on sibling relationship.