Exploring Siblings Perceptions of Parental Parenting Styles and Family Functioning in the Context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with Intellectual Ability (IA)

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that profoundly shapes the experiences of individuals and their families. While research has extensively documented parental stress and wellbeing, siblings’ perspectives, particularly of those with autistic members with intellectual ability (IA), remain underexplored. Siblings often serve as both observers and direct participants in parenting dynamics and family functioning. This study therefore aims to explore siblings’ perceptions of parenting styles and family functioning in households with ASD and IA. A qualitative design with a phenomenological approach was employed to capture participants’ lived experiences from their own perspectives. Data were analyzed thematically, enabling the identification of recurring patterns and variations across narratives. Findings reveal that siblings’ experiences reflect both challenges and resilience. Key themes include difficulties in daily routines, the centrality of emotional support, the dominant caregiving role of mothers, and communication as the foundation of family functioning. Variations emerged, such as limited paternal involvement and sibling relationships ranging from close to neutral. A novel finding highlights that parenting styles and family functioning directly shape the development of autistic individuals, particularly in self-care, autonomy, and behavioral regulation. This study contributes to family psychology and special education by foregrounding siblings’ perspectives, often overlooked in previous research. It expands understanding of how parenting practices exert systemic effects on the entire family and underscores the importance of integrated support strategies that recognize parents, autistic individuals, and siblings as interdependent members of the family system.