Siblings play a key role in autism research. Autism researchers are currently working together with public health advocates to identify the very earliest signs of autism by studying autism siblings. This information can inform family members, clinicians, health care providers and the general public about early signs and symptoms so that targeted interventions can be developed.

Traditionally, research on siblings has been focused on the earliest signs of ASD, since younger siblings have a 15x greater chance at a diagnosis than those without a family history.  Of those without a full ASD diagnosis, many struggle in areas of language, communication and socialization.  To understand the very earliest signs of autism, both behavioral and biological, these “infant sibling” studies are essential.

​To facilitate understanding of these early signs and symptoms, ASF supports the Baby Siblings Research Consortium.  You can learn more here:  Baby Siblings Research Consortium.

In addition, sisters of both boys and girls with ASD are essential to understand why so many boys are diagnosed compared to girls.  Girls may express features differently or there may be biological protection of females.  The The Autism Sisters Project, supported by ASF, is supporting research to better understand this protective effect.  

But research into coping, resilience, and family dynamics of sibling relationships, especially in adolescence and adults, is lacking.  We have organized and categorized some of the more recent studies on the following pages so you can read more.  And our webinar series engages some of the top experts in the field so you can learn more about their findings, what it means for you, and ask questions of the scientists.