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

From the Publisher

Confronted with the intense demands of caring for a child with autism, parents often struggle to meet the needs of their other children. Now in a new edition, Siblings of Children with Autism takes an in-depth look at what it is like to grow up as a sibling of a child with autism. This useful book addresses a full range of questions and concerns, including how to explain autism to siblings, how to help siblings share their feelings, and how to balance the needs of the entire family. The new edition also includes a chapter about the concerns and responsibilities of adult siblings. It is important for parents to see autism through the eyes of their other children, and this book will be immensely helpful throughout that process.

Library Journal

For this excellent second edition, Harris (Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor, Graduate Sch. of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers Univ.) is joined by new coauthor Glasburg (assistant director, Douglass Developmental Disabilities Ctr., Rutgers Univ.). They have made significant changes to all the original chapters-mostly suggested by parents and siblings-and added a new chapter on the needs of adults with autistic siblings. Examined are the perceptions, needs, compromises, and inevitable demands on an autistic child's siblings throughout their lives. The personal narratives of both parents and siblings (of all ages) provide illustrations of the issues facing nonautistic siblings. While a great deal has been written about the relationship between an autistic child and his/her parents, little is available on these important sibling relationships. Geared toward families, this will also be a valuable tool for educators and professionals who work with autistic children or their siblings. Strongly recommended for all public libraries and for academic libraries documenting autism, family relationships, disability studies, and special education.-Corey Seeman, Univ. of Toledo Libs., OH Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

This first title in a new series meets the needs of parents who inevitably ask how autism affects the entire family. Given that brothers and sisters react differently to siblings with autism, depending on many factors such as birth order and age, this book will help the parents explain autism to them. It will also help siblings share their thoughts and feelings about how their family is different and their role concerning the autistic child. Much practical advice on how children can share time together is also offered. With clear and simple presentation directed at the average lay reader, Harris (dean, psychology, Rutgers Univ.; executive director, Douglas Developmental Center) has done an excellent job of offering guidance to the whole family of the autistic child. Recommended for public libraries.-Marguerite Mroz, Baltimore Cty. P.L.

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• Table of Contents

Table of Contents