Autism Resource: Siblings

Apr 20, 2008 -

Updated 4/21/08: This book by was recommended by Jenny for older elementary or middle school aged children. It incorporates a Christian perspective into the topic as well.

In Jesse’s Shoes by Beverly Lewis

Siblings of children (or adults) with a disability encounter specific challenges and demands from their unique position within the family. Here are some books and other resources designed to both express and address these issues:

Written by (or stories from) Siblings

Sibling Stories: Reflections on Life with a Brother or Sister on the Autism Spectrum by Lynne Stern Feiges, Mary Jane Weiss, and Sandra L. Harris
The Sibling Slam Book: What It’s Really Like To Have A Brother Or Sister With Special Needs by Don Meyer and David Gallagher
Autism through a Sister’s Eyes by Eve B Band, Emily Hecht, Gary B Mesibov, and Sue Lynn Cotton
All About My Brother by Sarah Peralta

Written to Siblings

Siblings of Children With Autism: A Guide for Families (Topics in Autism) by Sandra L. Harris and Beth A., Ph.D. Glasberg
What About Me? Growing Up with a Developmentally Disabled Sibling by Bryna Siegel and Stuart Silverstein
Being the Other One: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister Who Has Special Needs by Kate Strohm
Everybody Is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters With Autism by Fiona Bleach

Some Online Resources

Autism Society of American: Sibling Issues – article by Sandra Harris Ph.D.
Siblings Perspectives: Some Guidelines for Parents – article by Marci Wheeler M.S.W. on Access Autism
Sibling Support Project – organization for supporting and connecting siblings of people with disabilities; also the home of SibShops, which are described as “opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context.”

Tags: Families, resources, siblings

7 Comments

Jenny April 21, 2008 at 4:31 am

What a great list! One book I’ll add to it is In Jesse’s Shoes by Beverly Lewis. It’s written from the perspective of Jesse’s sister (Jesse has special needs). It would make a great book for older children (maybe late elementary or middle school age, I’m guessing). It’s a really sweet story!

PreSchool Mama April 21, 2008 at 1:33 pm

Hi! I just tagged you for a Six Word Memoir at my blog!

Cajunchic April 21, 2008 at 4:17 pm

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I may pick up some of these for Monkey. He has a hard time understand why Monkette gets treated differently sometimes.

WherestheBox April 21, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Thanks, Jenny. I added this book to the list and will look for it to read myself!

Melinda April 22, 2008 at 1:40 pm

I have a friend whose son has mild autism. These are great resources! I am going to pass along.

kristi April 22, 2008 at 4:25 pm

Awesome, thanks for visiting my daughter’s blog!