Sibling Supports

There are programs and support groups throughout the United States addressing the issues, concerns and emotional support of school-age brothers and sisters of people with disabilities. The Nisonger Center at Ohio State University has offered such support groups for more than 20 years. Under the guidance of Tom Fish, Ph.D., Director of Family and Employment Services, hundreds of siblings have participated in groups to share their concerns, gain information, and connect with others experiencing similar life circumstances.

As siblings become adolescents and adults, their concerns and family circumstances change. New, adult issues such as the long-term care of a sibling, their sibling’s eligibility for programs, and support services are more prominent in the minds of adolescent and adult siblings. However, often, adult siblings are not included in future planning.  Listed below are websites and books that may be of interest to parents and siblings. 

Websites:

The Sibling Support Project
www.siblingsupport.org

Ohio SIBS
www.ohiosibs.info

Sibling Perspectives: Some Guidelines for Parents
www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/family/SibPerspect.html

Books:

All About My Brother
Sara Peralta

Autism Through a Sister’s Eyes
Eve B. Band
Emily Hecht
Gary B. Mesibov

Being the Other One: Growing up with a Brother or Sister Who has Special Needs
Kate Strohm

The Best Worst Brother
Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

Brotherly Feelings:  Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Asperger Syndrome
Sam Frender
Robin Schiffmiller

Everybody is Different:  A Book for Young People Who have a Brother or Sister with Autism
Fiona Bleach

Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs:  A Book for Sibs
Donald Meyer
Patricia Vadasy

Oh Brother!  Growing up with a Special Needs Sibling
Natalie Hale
Kate Sternberg

The Sibling Slam Book: What it’s Really Like to Have a Brother or Sister with Special Needs
Don Meyer

Siblings of Children with Autism:  A Guide for Families
Sandra L. Harris
Beth A. Glasberg Ph.D

Sibling Stories:  Reflections on Life with a Brother or Sister on the Autism Spectrum
Lynne Stern Feiges
Mary Jane Weiss

Special Brother or Sisters:  Stories and Tips for Siblings of Children with Special Needs, Disabilities or Serious Illness
Annette Hames
Monica McCaffrey

Special Siblings:  Growing up with Someone with a Disability
Mary McHugh

Views from Our Shoes:  Growing up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs
Donald Meyer

We’ll Paint a Red Octopus
Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

What About Me? Growing up with a Developmentally Disabled Sibling
Bryna Siegel
Stuart C. Silverstein
Glen R. Elliott

 

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