2024 Volume 62 Issue 2 Pages 71-80
本研究では、自閉症スペクトラム障害（ASD）のある者のきょうだいが同胞の障害を理解するプロセスを明らかにし、プロセスに影響を与えた要因について検討するために、知的障害を伴わないASDのある同胞がいる青年期のきょうだい3名に半構造化面接を実施し、複線経路・等至性モデルを用いて分析を行った。その結果、研究協力者は共通して、同胞の存在を障害の有無にかかわらず受け入れてきていたが、そこに至るプロセスは個々で異なり、さまざまな社会的影響を受けてきたことが明らかになった。また、青年期には自身の経験を統合しながら、同胞の障害や同胞との関係性、自分の将来、家族や社会の障害理解に関する多様な価値観を形成する可能性が示された。きょうだい支援においては、個々の背景を理解した上で、家族全体への包括的な支援を行うことが求められる。今後の課題は、事例研究をさらに蓄積していくことである。
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disability with characteristic communication and social skill deficits. People around individuals with autism spectrum disorder who do not also have an intellectual disability have trouble realizing that those individuals have difficulties, which, in turn, may affect the psychosocial experiences of the siblings of the individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, adolescent siblings of people with autism spectrum disorder form their values through their experiences at home and in society. However, since each sibling’s situation is highly individualized, their experiences must be clarified. The present study aimed to elucidate how siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder understand their sibling’s disability. Factors that may influence the process are also examined. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three adolescents who had a sibling with autism spectrum disorder without an intellectual disability. The Trajectory Equifinality Model was used in the analysis to find commonalities and variations in the processes. The results suggested that, as a commonality, the siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder accepted their sibling’s presence, irrespective of the presence of a disability. In addition, various social factors, including adverse experiences, appeared to affect their understanding of their sibling. This finding highlights the importance of enhancing awareness of disabilities among individuals who have siblings with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, during adolescence, siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder develop diverse perspectives concerning their sibling’s disability, relationships, future prospects, family, and social understanding of disabilities at large. Given the individualized nature of siblings’ experiences and values, it is important to consider individual’s unique circumstances when providing support. Moreover, comprehensive support for the entire family is essential. More case studies should continue to be accumulated.
