Social communication in children with autism spectrum disorders : a parental and sibling perspective

Abstract

This research study explores the perspectives of parents and siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) regarding social communication. The purpose of this study is to identify through the parents and siblings how children with ASD communicate socially. Literature shows that children with ASD exhibit social communication difficulties as a core impairment, and this affects their social interaction with others—at times, creating behavioural difficulties. The perceptions of the parents and siblings in this study speak about the difficulties and the positive and/or negative effects in social communication encountered by these children. This study examines ways on how the social communication skills of the children with ASD can be improved, according to their parents and siblings. To this effect, six parents and six siblings of children with ASD were recruited from two NGOs and the Speech and Language Centre in Malta. Two semi-structured interview questionnaires—one set for the parents and another set for the siblings—were utilized to collect data from the research participants. To complement the study’s qualitative nature, thematic analysis was implemented as a method for the analysis of the primary data gathered. Through the detailed analysis of the data, a set of subthemes were identified. Subsequently, subthemes emerged from seven major themes. Each subtheme assisted with answering each research question subject to investigation. Specific feelings that are exhibited towards the child’s social communication skills by the parent and the sibling were elicited. The results indicated that the parents are aware of the need to adapt and find ways to communicate socially with the children with ASD and use particular strategies that are essential for improvement. In contrast, the siblings, although being less aware about specific approaches that can be used with their brother/sister, were doing their best to relate to and support their siblings.