Comparison of symptoms of predisposition anxiety between siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and siblings of typically developing children

The purpose of this research study is to investigate - using a self-report questionnaire (STAIC-A Trait)- the anxiety predisposition symptoms of school-age siblings (n = 118) of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and to compare their symptoms with those of a group of siblings. (n = 115) of typically development (TA) children, matched by gender and age. In addition, the aim of the study is to investigate for any possible association between the predisposing anxiety symptoms of the siblings of the observation group (siblings of ASD individuals) and key individual and family demographic factors. The results showed that school-age siblings of individuals with ASD had higher levels of anxiety symptoms than siblings in the comparison group, while no association was found between anxiety symptoms and the demographic variables examined. The findings of this study emphasize the need to assess the psychological characteristics of this vulnerable section of the population, as well as the need to develop appropriate psychoeducational support programs for all family members.