 |
|
|
Selected Resources for Understanding and Supporting Siblings
Contributed by Marci Wheeler, M.S.W. & Brian Ketzner The following articles, books, and other resources provide a sampling of materials which describe and support the experiences of siblings of children on the autism spectrum. Selected items may be available at your local library. Many may be borrowed by Indiana residents from the library (referred to as the Center for Disability Information and Referral) at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community; 2853 East Tenth Street, Bloomington, IN 47408-2696, 1-800-437-7924 (toll free in Indiana; voice/TT) or 1-812-855-9396 (voice/TT). Celiberti, D. R., & Harris, S. L. (1993). Behavioral intervention for siblings of children with autism: A focus on skills to enhance play. Behavior Therapy, 24(4), 573-599. Gold, N. (1993). Depression and social adjustment in siblings of boys with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 23(1), 147-163. Harris, S. ((2003). Siblings of children with autism: A guide for families. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. Howlin, P. (1988). Living with impairment: The effects on children of having an autistic sibling. Child: Care, Health and Development, 14, 395 408. Klein, S. D., & Schleifer, M. J. (Eds.). (1993). It isn’t fair! Siblings of children with disabilities. Wesport, CT: Bergin & Garvey Press. McHugh, M. (2002). Special siblings: Growing up with someone with a disability (revised). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company. Meyer, D., & Vadasy, P. (1994). Sibshops: Workshops for siblings of children with special needs. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company. A new edition is in preparation. Meyer, D., & Vadasy, P. (1996). Living with a brother or sister with special needs: A book for sibs (2nd ed.). Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press. Powell, T., & Gallagher, P. (2006). Brothers and sisters: A special part of exceptional families (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company. Siegel, B., & Silverstein, S. C. (1994). What about me? Growing up with a developmentally disabled sibling. New York, NY: Plenum Publishing Corporation. Books Specific to Autism Spectrum Disorders for Siblings and Peers Amenta, C. (1992). Russell is extra special: A book about autism for children. New York, NY: Magination Press. A story written by a father of three boys, the oldest, nine years old, is non verbal and has autism. Real pictures are used to show and explain the relationship the boys have and how Russell perceives the world. Excellent book for ages 5-9. Band, E.B. & Hecht, E. (2001). Autism through a sister’s eyes: A young girl’s view of her brother’s autism. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons, Inc. Co-author of this book is an 11 year-old girl. The story is told in her voice. This book addresses her questions about her older brother with high-functioning autism. Bishop, B.(2002). My friend with autism. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons, Inc. This book addresses the relationship of a high-functioning friend with autism. It explains areas in which he is gifted, and how other things are difficult for him. Book includes notes of discussion page by page. Great book for 5 – 12 yr olds. Bleach, F. (2001). Everybody is different: A book for young people who have brothers or sisters with autism. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company. This book addresses many of the questions frequently asked by young peers. Good for all ages, it is a great book for family discussion on characteristics of autism. Cullen, D. T. (1999). Trevor Trevor. Higganum, CT: Starfish Specialty Press. Minds change in the classroom when Treavor, who is always picked on in school for being different, finds his niche. Age range 8 to 13. Can be read by adult to class. Dalrymple, N. (1979). Learning together. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities. Good for explaining basic characteristics to ages 4-7. It is written in the first person of a 7 year old with autism explaining her behavior, thoughts and feelings. It is a short booklet with sketched drawings. Edwards, A.(2001). Taking autism to school. Plainview, NY: JayJo Books, LLC. An introduction to having a friend with autism. Book introduces basic characteristics of autism. Ages 5 to 10 yrs. Edwards, B., & Armitage, D. (1999). My brother Sammy. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press. This book is written in the first person as the typical brother describing his younger brother’s behavior and his feelings about his brother’s differences. Good opening for parents to discuss the typical sibling’s feelings including frustrations and learning to interact despite the differences. Targets ages 5-8. Ely, L. & Dunbar, P. (2004.) Looking after Louis. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company. A book explaining an inclusive setting in the school and how the class helps Louis adapt. Age group 5 to 10 yrs. Espin, R. (2003) Amazingly…Alphie: Understanding and accepting different ways of being. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company. Fictional story about a differently wired computer who has trouble fitting in successfully. He is able to shine when he meets up with a human who understands him. Good story about tolerance, acceptance and celebrating differences for children ages 8 and up. Gagnon, E., & Myles, B. S. (1999). This is Asperger syndrome. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company. Using black and white cartoons this booklet offers some general information on the everyday thoughts and actions of an 8-12 year old with Asperger Syndrome. Scenarios focus on home and school situations. Gartenberg, Z. (1998). Mori’s story: A book about a boy with autism. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications Company. A true story, written through the eyes of an eleven year old boy. He shares thoughts and observations of his younger brother with autism who lives in a residential setting away from home. Colorful photos help support the story of a loving family with strong bonds. Appropriate for ages 9-12. Healy, A. (2005). Sometimes my brother: Helping kids understand autism through a sibling's eyes. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons, Inc. A young boy explains his thoughts about his older brother who has autism. This picture book helps siblings know they are not alone. It also shares ideas for families on creating their own family book. Hoopman, K. (2001). Blue bottle mystery: An Asperger adventure. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. A well done fantasy whose hero is Ben a school aged boy recently diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. A story for all children ages 8 and up. It portrays a positive roll model that those with AS can identify with while also creatively teaching others about AS. Hoopman, K. (2001). Of mice and aliens: An Asperger adventure. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. A science fiction sequel to Blue Bottle Mystery. The main character Ben and his friend Andy help an alien that crash lands on earth. This adventure teaches that differences and individuality are important and interesting. Ives, M. (2001). What is Asperger syndrome and how will it affect me?: A guide for young people.Shawnee, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company. A book written for teenagers with AS to understand their differences. Provides strategies and resources to cope with difficulties. Would be useful for similar aged peers or sibs to understand and support the teen with AS. Katz, I., & Ritvo, E. (1993). Joey and Sam. Northridge, CA: Real Life Storybooks. The book begins with a mother’s poem to her child with autism. The fictional story tells about a boy and his younger brother with autism. The similarities and differences between the two illustrate the message that it is okay to be different. Targets ages 7-10. Karasik, P. & Karasik, J. (2003). The ride together: A brother and sister’s memoir of autism in the family. New York, NY: Washington Square Press. A brother and sister’s account of daily life in the late 1960’s with a brother with autism. Alternating chapters of the book are written in comic strip style. Reading level is 13-18 years. Lancelle, M. & Lesada, J.(2006). Sundays with Mathew: A young boy with autism and an artist share their sketchbooks. Shawnee, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company. An example of art as a means of communication for an 11 year old who has difficulty with verbal communication. Lears, L. (1998). Ian’s walk: A story about autism. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman and Company. This fictional story is told from the perspective of an older sister it conveys the many and varied feelings a sib may face. Geared for ages 4 - 8. Lowell, J. & Tuchel, T. (2005). My best friend Will. Shawnee, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company. Professionally done photographs help tell the story of a friendship through the eyes of the main author who is a fifth grade girl. Tips for teachers and resources are provided at the end. Targets elementary school students as the audience. Maguire, A. (2000). Special people, special ways. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons, Inc. Animated book with a rhyme style explains modifications for special needs. Optimum ages 3 to 6 yrs. Martin, A. (1990). The babysitters club: Kristy and the secret of Susan. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. One book in her series of books on babysitting. Kristy is introduced to a younger girl with autism and is determined to reach out to her. Ages 8 – 13. Martin, A. (1984). Inside out. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. A look into the life of Jonno and his sister as they deal with a younger brother with autism. When their younger brother begins to attend a developmental center, changes are in store for everyone. Written in first person from perspective of an 11 year - old boy. Messner, A. W. (1995). Captain Tommy. Stratham, NH: Potential Unlimited Publishing. Tommy learns how to reach out and communicate with a boy with autism at space camp. Suggest ages 8 – 13. Murrell, D. (2004). Oliver Onion: The onion who learns to accept and be himself. Shawnee, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company. Written for all 4-10 year olds as a celebration of uniqueness. Colorful illustrations help depict the heartfelt message to learn to be yourself. Murrell, D. (2001). Tobin learns to make friends. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons, Inc. Metaphorical story about a train engine learning to make friends. Illustrates the social skills deficits of children on the spectrum including sharing, borrowing and taking turns. Can be used to teach these skills to high-functioning children on the spectrum and their peers. Targets ages 4-8. Peralta, S. (2002). All about my brother: An eight-year-old sister’s introduction to her brother who has autism. Shawnee, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company. Written by an 8 year old girl about her 7 year old brother who has autism and is non-verbal. She describes family life with her brother and imparts insight about autism and the sibling relationship. Information and resources are provided to families by the young author’s mother at the beginning and end. Rosenberg, M.S. (2000). Everything you need to know when a brother or sister is autistic. New York, NY: Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. A good resource book for teens and young adults explaining characteristics and therapies. Ages 12-18. Rosenberg, M.S. (2001). Coping when a brother or sister is autistic. New York, NY: Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. This book addresses the many facts on autism and is designed to inform the beginning advocate sibling. Difficulties and joys as a sibling are also addressed as well as dealing with the negative feelings and curiosity of others. Recommended age 13 and up. Sabin, E. (2006). The autism acceptance book: Being a friend to someone with autism. New York, NY: Watering Can Press. An activity book that teaches children 8 years old and up about what is feels like to have autism. Information and workbook activities help build understanding and ideas to help support and be a friend to a peer with autism and/or other differences. Simmons, K. (1997). Little rainman: Autism through the eyes of a child. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons, Inc. Written by a mom who shares her young son’s experiences through his eyes. Detailed descriptions of thoughts, behaviors and feelings cover a variety of life experiences for a child with autism. Best suited for ages 7-10. Sprecher, J. (1997). Jeffery and the despondent dragon. Muskego, WI: Special Kids Company. Jeffrey expresses love with or without the dragon’s abilities. Ages 3 – 7. Sullivan, C. (2001). I love my brother: A preschooler’s view of living with a brother who has autism. Stratham, NH: PHAT ART 4. A glimpse of a 4 year old boy’s story about his 2 year old brother with autism. Photographs and child’s colorful drawings add to this family story. Written for 3-6 year olds. Thompson, M. (1992). My brother, Matthew. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. A brother’s bond can develop a strong insight and a new perspective of joy, perhaps better than the understanding of the parents. Suggested age 8 – 13years. Thompson, M. (1996). Andy and his yellow frisbee. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. A story about Andy’s time on the school playground spinning the Frisbee and a new girl’s attempt to interact. Welton, J. (2004). Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome?: A guide for friends and family. New York, NY: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Assists in understanding difficulties faced by individuals with Asperger Syndrome. Interview style of writing. Written for ages 7 – 15 yrs. Welton, J. (2005). Adam’s alternative sports day: An Asperger story. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Adam always dreads Games Day at school. This year turned out quite different, though, as the games moved from sports to activities that could finally reveal Adam’s strengths. Reading level 6 – 13 years. Selected Resources for Siblings Family Resource Associates, Inc. The Sibling Support Project Videos: Just Call Him Matthew. (1992). VHS format: 26 minutes. Produced by Mountain Productions, Albuquerque, NM. Young brothers and sisters of children with autism speak openly about their feelings and experiences. Ordering Information: (505) 291-9284. Brothers and Sisters on Siblings with Developmental Disabilities. (1989). VHS format: 20 minutes. Produced by YARC Sibling Support, Waisman Center, Madison, WI. Older siblings discuss their experiences, joys, and disappointments concerning their brothers and sisters with disabilities. Ordering Information: (608) 263-5776. Brothers and Sisters-Siblings. (1995). VHS format: 21 minutes. Distributed by Autism Society of British Columbia, Burnaby, BC. Narrated by a teenage sister. Visits with a variety of siblings and their families who discuss the challenges and rewards of having a brother or sister with autism. Ordering Information: (888) 437-0880. Sense of Belonging: Including Students with Autism in their School Community. (1997). VHS format: 19:34 minutes. Produced by Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Bloomington, IN. Illustrates the value of inclusion and importance it plays for the future of all students. Ordering Information: (812) 855-6508. Being Friends (1991). VHS format: 8:08 minutes. Produced by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism and WTIU, Bloomington, IN. For use with young children and peers. Ordering Information: (812) 855-6508. Straight Talk About Autism: Adolescent Issues (1999). VHS format: 38 minutes. An Attainment Production, Verona, WI. Adolescents with autism and their parents discuss openly their feelings and insights about social experiences that are both rewarding and challenging. Ordering Information: (800) 327-4269. Intricate Minds III: Understanding Elementary School Classmates Who Think Differently (2006). DVD format: 17 minutes. Produced by Coulter Video, Winston Salem, NC. School aged individuals on the spectrum share challenges and suggestions within the class room. Booklets: Leonard-Toomey, P. (Eds.) (1997). In our own words: Stories by brothers and sisters of children with autism and P.D.D. Fall River, MA: Community Autism Resources, Adsum, Inc. Meyer, D.J. (1997). Views from our shoes: Growing up with a brother or sister with special needs. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. Meyer, D. (Eds.) (2005). The sibling slam book : What it's really like to have a brother or sister with special needs. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. Web Sites: http://www.delautism.org/kids_only.htm. Autism Information Written For Kids Only! http://www.autism-ascc.org/kids.htm. For kids by kids! http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/kids/kautismpage.htm. Kid’s Quest on Disability and Health. http://library.thinkquest.org/5852/autism.htm. Disabilities from an individual’s perspective. http://www.acd.org.au/siblings/content/Supporting_Siblings.pdf. On-line book for parents. http://www.autism.ca/siblings.pdf. On-line article for parents. http://www.autismlink.com/pages/autism_sibling/. Short article for parents. Wheeler, M. & Ketzner, B. (2008). Selected resources for understanding and supporting siblings. Bloomington, IN: Indiana Resource Center for Autism.
|
|
 |
|
 |