Christine Wigston1, Marita Falkmer1,2, Sharmila Vaz1, Richard Parsons1, Torbjörn Falkmer1,3,4. 1. a School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University , Perth , Western Australia , Australia. 2. b School of Education and Communication, CHILD programme, Institution of Disability Research Jönköping University , Sweden , Jönköping. 3. c School of Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University , Melbourne , VIC , Australia , and. 4. d Rehabilitation Medicine, Department and Health Sciences (IMH), Faculty of Health Sciences , Linkoping University & Pain and Rehabilitation Centre , UHL, Country Council , Linköping , Sweden.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the number, frequency, enjoyment and performance in extracurricular activities of siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to their typically developing (TD) peers, and to identify differences between actual and desired participation. METHODS: A case-control study with 30 siblings of children with ASD and 30 siblings of TD children was conducted using the Paediatric Interest Profiles and a questionnaire. RESULTS: Siblings of children with ASD participated in fewer extracurricular activities than those with TD siblings. ASD symptoms were significantly associated with the sibling participating in fewer extracurricular activities. Children with TD siblings had higher enjoyment scores in relaxation activities than children with siblings with ASD. CONCLUSION: While results were mainly positive, some differences indicated that having a sibling with ASD may impact participation in extracurricular activities. Assessments of participation barriers, as well as support to minimise participation restrictions among siblings of children with ASD are required.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the number, frequency, enjoyment and performance in extracurricular activities of siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to their typically developing (TD) peers, and to identify differences between actual and desired participation. METHODS: A case-control study with 30 siblings of children with ASD and 30 siblings of TD children was conducted using the Paediatric Interest Profiles and a questionnaire. RESULTS: Siblings of children with ASD participated in fewer extracurricular activities than those with TD siblings. ASD symptoms were significantly associated with the sibling participating in fewer extracurricular activities. Children with TD siblings had higher enjoyment scores in relaxation activities than children with siblings with ASD. CONCLUSION: While results were mainly positive, some differences indicated that having a sibling with ASD may impact participation in extracurricular activities. Assessments of participation barriers, as well as support to minimise participation restrictions among siblings of children with ASD are required.