title: 'Recognized, Valued and Supported'? The Experiences of Adult Siblings of People with Autism Plus Learning Disability.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The potential of adult siblings to offer long-term support to a brother or sister with autism is rarely realized. To understand this, our study explores the expectations of social care among adult siblings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using qualitative interviews, we spoke to 21 adult siblings about their family relationships and engagement with service delivery, met with 12 of their siblings with autism and talked to 12 social care staff.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Siblings, although reflecting on the difficulties of growing up with someone who had autism, expressed a commitment towards their brother or sister. Most wanted involvement in their care. While some siblings described positive relationships with services, many felt marginalized. Practitioners largely confirmed their perceptions, while offering a justification for why they struggled to engage with adult siblings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By understanding the way relationships between siblings change over time, adult siblings' contribution to the lives of their disabled brother or sister can be better supported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK.
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tozer
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK.
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Atkin
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support
keywords: autism; family caring; learning disability; sibling relationships