This research is being conducted by Michael Petalas at the University of Liverpool, Professor Richard Hastings and Dr Susie Nash at Bangor University, and Dr Simon Duff at the University of Liverpool
How do adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder feel about growing up with a sibling who doesn’t have autism?
Families with an adolescent with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) between 12 and 17 years of age and a sibling without an ASD (typically developing (TD)) between 5 and 17 years of age are invited to take part in this project.
There is evidence to suggest that the quality of the sibling relationship may affect children’s psychological wellbeing. The overall aim of this research is to improve our understanding of sibling relationships between adolescents with an ASD and their brothers or sisters who are typically developing, and the factors that influence sibling relationships. As part of this we are especially interested in how adolescents with an ASD feel and think about their relationships with their typically developing brothers/sisters.
There is virtually no research that has looked at the sibling relationship from the perspective of the child with an ASD? We should like to hear from you if you are a main carer (not necessarily a blood relative) of an adolescent with ASD who is aged between 12 and 17 years, with a brother or sister aged between 5 and 17 years.
Families who wish to take part in the research will be sent a brief questionnaire pack for the primary caregiver to fill in. In addition, Michael will telephone them to talk to the adolescent with ASD for between five to ten minutes about his/her relationship with his/her brother or sister. If you are interested in this research, and would like to know more, please contact Michael. If you use the telephone number below to contact Michael, please leave a message with your name and telephone number/e-mail, giving your permission for Michael to return your call/e-mail you.
Michael Petalas
Trainee Clinical Psychologist
University of Liverpool
Whelan Building, The Quadrangle, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 3GB
Tel: 0151 794 5877 fax 0151 794 5537