Siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often navigate complex family roles, balancing empathy and caregiving responsibilities with their own developmental needs. While research has documented sibling stress, coping, and adjustment, the construct of sibling attachment—defined as the quality of emotional bonding and security between siblings—remains insufficiently explored. This oversight limits the scope of family-centered interventions in autism care.
This poster presents a systematic review of literature addressing sibling attachment in the context of ASD. Databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2025 using keywords such as "autism," "sibling relationship," and "attachment." The review synthesizes findings across three themes: (1) risk factors influencing sibling bonds (e.g., behavioral difficulties, caregiver stress); (2) protective factors supporting positive sibling outcomes (e.g., parental mediation, shared activities, social support); and (3) intervention strategies that indirectly or directly target sibling attachment. Gaps in methodology, including the limited use of standardized attachment measures and underrepresentation of non-Western contexts, are identified.
The review underscores the importance of moving beyond parent-focused models to include siblings as active participants in interventions. It argues for integrating attachment-based frameworks into family-centered approaches, with mindfulness, psychoeducation, and structured sibling programs as promising pathways. Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive research and practice, particularly in underrepresented populations.