Special Brothers and Sisters

"Special Brothers and Sisters" is a collection of real-life accounts from the brothers and sisters of children with special needs, disability or serious illness, ranging in age from 3 to 18 years. They explain, in their own words, what it's like to live with their siblings. There is a lot of advice available for parents of a child with a disability or illness, but very little about the important issue of educating their siblings about how they feel, and why they may behave differently from other children. These stories, from 40 different families, come with related tips to help siblings deal with some of the things that happen in their family lives. The book also provides a helpful glossary to explain, in child-friendly language, the disabilities and medical conditions mentioned, including: ADHD; autism; cerebral palsy; cystic fibrosis; and Down syndrome. "Special Brothers and Sisters" is an engaging and educational collection that will enable young people and adults to share in the extraordinary experience of being a sibling of a child with special needs, a disability or serious illness.

Table of Contents

1. A note the brothers and sisters. 2. A note to parents. 3. Stories and tips. 4. Where you can get help. 5. Dictionary.

About the Author

Annette Hames is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has worked with children with learning disabilities for over 20 years. She currently works with families with children with learning disabilities for Northgate and Prudhoe NHS Trust, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Monica McCaffrey is the director of Sibs, the UK organisation for siblings. One of her brothers has learning difficulties and another brother died in childhood from a life-limiting condition. Monica lives in Yorkshire.