Table 3.

The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Showing Various Themes of the Lived Experiences of the Siblings

Superordinate Themes	Subordinate Themes	Subthemes
Processing and understanding the condition	Recognition of differences	•  Deficits in communication and social interaction (n = 12) •  Behavioral dysregulation (n = 4) •  Implicit understanding (n = 2)
	Knowledge and awareness	•  Lack of awareness (n = 10) •  Clarity after diagnosis (n = 5) •  Sources of information (parents (n = 6), professionals (n = 5), books & internet (n = 4)
	Developing acceptance	•  Process of grief (n = 3) •  Acceptance (n = 9)
Coping with challenging experiences	Nature of challenges	•  Emotional (n = 14) •  Relational (n = 10) •  Social (n = 12)
	Coping with challenges	•  Suppression and avoidance (n = 10) •  Rationalization (n = 6) •  Normalization (n = 4) •  Maximizing positives (n = 3)
Current and future roles	Supportive and parental role (n = 12)	Nil
	Anxiety related to future care and plans (n = 12)	Nil
Needs and expectations	Needs for sibling with ASD	•  Independence (n = 6) •  Achievement (n = 3) •  Improvement in symptoms (n = 3) •  Resources (n = 9)
	Self-needs	•  Understanding (n = 5) •  Social life (n = 5) •  Autonomy (n = 2) •  Emotional support (n = 4) •  Career (n = 2) •  Information (n = 4) •  Attention from parents (n = 3) •  Typical sibling relationship (n = 5)
	Perceptions about and reactions to needs	Nil
Support system	Individuals in the support system	•  Parents (n = 12) •  Professionals (n = 5)   Siblings (n = 2)
	Perceptions about the support system	•  Strong support vs. lack of support (n = 6)   Barriers to support seeking (n = 8)
Positive aspects of sibling relationship	Nature of support	•  Practical (n = 10) •  Financial (n = 4) •  Emotional (n = 3)
	Self-development	•  Increased sensitivity and empathy (n = 5) •  Learning life lessons (n = 3)   Higher sense of responsibility (n = 3)