Sibling influence on development of children with autism spectrum disorder (ARC Discovery Project administered by the University of Tasmania) (2019-2023)

This project aims to learn whether and how typically-developing (TD) siblings affect development of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD involves difficulties with language, executive functions and social understanding. For TD children, growing up with siblings gives an advantage in these cognitive functions. Yet little is known about how having siblings impacts on cognitive development of children with ASD. This study will explore longitudinally the mechanisms of sibling impact in families with and without a child with ASD. The outcomes will deepen our understanding of child development, providing an evidence base for effective interventions to increase child competence and aiming ultimately to reduce the social costs of ASD.