Publication details
Skupinové terapeutické programy pro sourozence dětí s poruchami autistického spektra
| Title in English | Group therapeutic-educational programs for siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder |
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| Year of publication | 2015 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have to cope not only with problematic behavior of their brothers and sisters but also with a series of changes, demands and stressors in whole family system (Guzman, 2009; Conway et al., 2004). These difficulties may predispose them to a wide range of mental health problems (Tudor et al., 2014). Group therapeutic-educational programs are considered as an effective form of help in many foreign countries (Hartling et al., 2010), yet in Czech Republic these programs are almost non-existent. The aim of the study was to obtain information on demand, attitudes, experiences and preferred organizational forms and content of such a program in our cultural conditions. The sample consisted of 110 parents of siblings of children with ASD. Data were collected by questionnaire focusing on the above-stated objectives. The results of the study show that more than 60% of respondents have not known about this kind of programs, anyway the majority of respondents take a positive attitude towards these programs and believe they are meaningful and beneficial not only for siblings but even for parents themselves. Two-thirds of respondents expressed the desire for their child to participate in such kind of program. The expected outcomes of the program was to gain a knowledge about ASD, coping strategies and communication training, working with negative emotions, strengthening sibling relationships, acceptance of brother´s/sister´s diagnosis, social support, peer experience sharing, confidence strenghtening and fun and relaxation. The results of the study can serve as a basis for creation of practical program aimed on strengthening siblings´protective resiliency factors helping to prevent, protect and promote their mental health. |