The Comparison of the components of mental health and depression in normal children and siblings of children with autism

Introduction:  This research was done with the purpose of the comparative study of dimensions of mental health and depression in normal children and siblings of children with autism.

Methods: The research method was descriptive and the design was ex post facto. The 34 siblings of children with autism and 34 normal children were selected by convenience sampling from Clinics and care institutions for children with autism and primary and secondary schools in range 16-9 years of age from Alborz and Tehran cities. For data collection, Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) were used. Data were analyzed by using independent t and Chi square tests.

Results: Results showed no statistically significant difference between mental health and depression components except anhedonia in two groups of normal children and siblings of children with autism. However, chi-square test results showed clinical and diagnostic significant difference between the rate of mental disorders in normal children and siblings of children with autism.

Conclusion: The presence of children with autism in the family causes cause abnormalities in behavioral, emotional, social and verbal-nonverbal communication between children with autism and other family members. So to reduce the adverse mental and emotional consequences of communication between family members, the importance of recognition of this disorder and educational needs for special interactions with autism children in the family is obvious.