Othman Zuhir

• Lived Experiences of Typically Developing Adolescents with Siblings Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Malaysia
• MBBS (NUMed)

This study explores the lived experiences of Malaysian adolescents who have siblings with autism. While families often focus on supporting the child with autism, the perspectives of their siblings are rarely heard. Three adolescents have been interviewed in depth about their daily lives. Early insights suggest that siblings frequently take on additional responsibilities, such as helping with caregiving, balancing schoolwork with family duties, and maintaining vigilance to ensure their sibling’s safety. They also describe how their parents’ health and stress can shape their own roles within the household. These experiences highlight both the challenges faced and the resilience developed by siblings, including emotion regulation and positive reframing. By amplifying their voices, this research aims to contribute to the development of culturally inclusive support strategies, empower an underrepresented group, and inform future advocacy and policy efforts to strengthen autism awareness and family support in Malaysia.