According to a new study, siblings of children suffering from autism may develop hyperactivity. It also revealed that mothers of autistic children are more prone to depression and stress in contrast to mothers of normal kids.

The impact of autism on family members was studied and it was found that siblings of autistic children had to make more adjustments related to social, behavioral and academical adaptability.

Teachers said that siblings of autistic kids displayed restlessness, and attention problems. Parents, however, did not report any problem.

Meanwhile, a fresh study on the effect of autism on families dealing with autistic children implies that primary-school aged older siblings of autistic children are likely to develop hyperactive problems during their childhood.

Researchers from the University of Oregon's School Psychology Program asserted that the older siblings of autistic toddlers are found to be more prone to attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).

McIntyre, an Associate of the UO's Center for Excellence and Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research and Service, said, "Our findings are rather positive overall, these kids may start school OK, at least those from healthy families, but they may demonstrate difficulties over time".

The study came out in the March issue of the journal, Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.