The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the emotions and behaviors of siblings of children who have autism in Northern California. Research shows that approximately half of siblings adjust normally to having a child on the autism spectrum. There is little research on what emotions siblings of a child on the autism spectrum experience. Most of the literature available for siblings discusses positive emotions they might experience while playing with their sibling and a few might gloss over some of the more uncomfortable or negative emotions such as jealousy or anger. Therefore, this study was aimed at trying to identify if the siblings do experience more emotions than currently discussed in the literature.

The study consisted of 9 families who were recruited through fliers. The interview was conducted through interview. The data was transcribed and the information was analyzed for common themes.

The main themes found in the parent interviews included the parent's guilt, and the typically developing child's patience, intelligence, empathy, feelings of sadness, jealousy, frustration/anger, and their protective nature and perfectionism. The recurring emotions (themes) that were present for the typically developing children were happy, angry, jealous, sadness and annoyed. Five children were found to have either internalizing or externalizing behaviors. These results indicate that siblings experience more emotions than are reported or discussed in children's literature. Behaviorally, the results confirm previous research which indicates that about half of siblings who have a child on the autism spectrum either internalize or externalize their emotions.

The results are beneficial for consultants and clinicians in that they can begin to use this information to help include the typically developing sibling and the entire family in treatment. Limitations to this study included the small number of participants, complications that arose during the interview process, and lack of father participation. However, the study provided insight into the range of emotions that siblings experience and the need for future research in this area.