The Effect of Psychoeducation on Adult Siblings of People With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Effect of Psychoeducation on Adult Siblings of People With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational program in enhancing autism-related knowledge, sibling relationships, well-being, and resilience among adults with a sibling on the spectrum, while also highlighting the need for tailored supportive interventions for this population.
The psychoeducational program will be implemented in adult siblings of people with ASD and its effectiveness will be assessed.
Participation in this program is expected to contribute in the improvement of the quality of life of the participants, their siblings with ASD and those related to them. No risk is identified.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental lifelong disorder of which prevalence has been significantly increased through the decades. Notwithstanding the abundant research finding on the ASD people and their parents regarding their mental health, quality of life etc., limited evidence exists regarding the siblings of people with ASD. The aim of this study is to apply a psychoeducational program for ASD in adult siblings of people with ASD as a means of providing disorder - related knowledge and improving their quality of life. The psychoeducational program will provide basic knowledge about ASD, training on behavioral management, acceptance and ongoing support to serve the needs of people with ASD and their caregivers.
This study will be a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with voluntary participation. The psychoeducational program will be implemented in adult siblings of people with ASD, free of charge, it will be conducted online by certified trainers, due to the coronavirus pandemic and its effectiveness will be assessed. The sample will be recruited from the general population of Greece. Four groups, each divided into experimental groups and control groups, will be randomized.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, participants will be asked to complete the online questionnaires three times (pre-intervention, post-intervention and three-month follow-up).
Participation in this program is expected to contribute in the improvement of the quality of life of the participants, their siblings with ASD and those related to them. No risk is identified.
This study is part of a doctoral thesis in progress at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HELMEPA), Department of Social Work.
The study is expected to start in April 2024 and to be completed about six months later.
Inclusion criteria were: (i) age 18 or older, (ii) having one sibling diagnosed with ASD, (iii) being neurotypical, and (iv) no prior participation in a psychoeducational program for autism.
Exclusion criteria were: (i) having more than one sibling diagnosed with ASD, and (ii) residing outside Greece.