Functioning of Neurotypical Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Neurotypical (NT) siblings of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience complex emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social challenges. Understanding the factors that influence their well-being is essential for developing tailored interventions. This systematic review examines...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Psychiatry International |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5318/6/2/52 |
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| author | Brenda Cervellione Calogero Iacolino Alessia Bottari Chiara Vona Martina Leuzzi Giovambattista Presti |
| author_facet | Brenda Cervellione Calogero Iacolino Alessia Bottari Chiara Vona Martina Leuzzi Giovambattista Presti |
| author_sort | Brenda Cervellione |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Neurotypical (NT) siblings of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience complex emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social challenges. Understanding the factors that influence their well-being is essential for developing tailored interventions. This systematic review examines the psychological and social functioning of NT siblings and identifies protective and risk factors that impact their adaptation. A systematic search was conducted across EBSCO, PubMed, and Google Scholar, covering studies published between 2013 and 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on research investigating NT siblings’ emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social well-being. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized narratively. Findings reveal heterogeneous experiences among NT siblings, ranging from increased empathy and resilience to heightened anxiety, depression, and social difficulties. The quality of sibling relationships and social support systems plays a pivotal role in moderating these outcomes. NT siblings represent a vulnerable group requiring family-centered interventions. Future research should adopt longitudinal and multi-informant approaches to explore long-term effects and culturally sensitive support strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a7945b90fc334e80945e736f136dfcbc |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2673-5318 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Psychiatry International |
| spelling | doaj-art-a7945b90fc334e80945e736f136dfcbc2025-08-20T03:16:38ZengMDPI AGPsychiatry International2673-53182025-05-01625210.3390/psychiatryint6020052Functioning of Neurotypical Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic ReviewBrenda Cervellione0Calogero Iacolino1Alessia Bottari2Chiara Vona3Martina Leuzzi4Giovambattista Presti5Department of Human & Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, ItalyDepartment of Human & Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, ItalyDepartment of Human & Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, ItalyDepartment of Human & Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, ItalyDepartment of Human & Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, ItalyDepartment of Human & Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, ItalyNeurotypical (NT) siblings of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience complex emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social challenges. Understanding the factors that influence their well-being is essential for developing tailored interventions. This systematic review examines the psychological and social functioning of NT siblings and identifies protective and risk factors that impact their adaptation. A systematic search was conducted across EBSCO, PubMed, and Google Scholar, covering studies published between 2013 and 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on research investigating NT siblings’ emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social well-being. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized narratively. Findings reveal heterogeneous experiences among NT siblings, ranging from increased empathy and resilience to heightened anxiety, depression, and social difficulties. The quality of sibling relationships and social support systems plays a pivotal role in moderating these outcomes. NT siblings represent a vulnerable group requiring family-centered interventions. Future research should adopt longitudinal and multi-informant approaches to explore long-term effects and culturally sensitive support strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5318/6/2/52autism spectrum disorderneurotypical siblingsemotional functioningpsychological well-beingsocial supportfamily dynamics |
| spellingShingle | Brenda Cervellione Calogero Iacolino Alessia Bottari Chiara Vona Martina Leuzzi Giovambattista Presti Functioning of Neurotypical Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review Psychiatry International autism spectrum disorder neurotypical siblings emotional functioning psychological well-being social support family dynamics |
| title | Functioning of Neurotypical Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review |
| title_full | Functioning of Neurotypical Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review |
| title_fullStr | Functioning of Neurotypical Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Functioning of Neurotypical Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review |
| title_short | Functioning of Neurotypical Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review |
| title_sort | functioning of neurotypical siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder a systematic review |
| topic | autism spectrum disorder neurotypical siblings emotional functioning psychological well-being social support family dynamics |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5318/6/2/52 |
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