Being the Other One: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister Who Has Special Needs

by Kate Strohm

Book Overview

When there's a disabled child in the family, how are normally developing siblings affected? According to Kate Strohm, a counselor and health educator, siblings of the disabled face particular... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590301501
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.7" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Insight full, from all perspectives

This is an amazing book. The first I've ever read about being a sibling of a child with special needs. It's very realistic about expectations, pressures and guilt. It reflects on home life and the struggles that can occur, either as a result of parental expectations or of self-assumed responsibility. The perspectives included in this book are all encompassing, and while I can't apply everything to myself, I understand these alternative views. I am grateful to have found this book and hope that it will continue to be self-revealing throughout.

A Must for Siblings and Parents

I encourage siblings and parents to read this book if someone in their family has a disability. It hit so many issues dead on that I never realized anyone else experienced. It allows siblings to take an honest look at their experiences while growing up with someone who has a disability. It also gives great tips for how families can address these issues early on.

Compassionate and insightful.

I grew up with a disabled younger brother, and am only now, in my 40s, starting to realize what affect that had on me, and on my way of reacting to life. This book gives me permission to explore this, without feeling guilty. I thank the author for her compassion and frankness. The many examples and testimonies allow a glimpse of many kinds of different affects, depending on different family situations. I highly recommend this book. It helps me understand myself a little better.

Giving voice to the "unspoken"

When I chose this book, I thought I would be adding to my teacher-knowledge of people with special needs and their families. I was stunned to find myself crying: this was me! I was reading about me and my family! The roots of my lifelong struggles and current stress were made plain. But who in MY family had special needs? I never thought of it that way. My sister has struggled with her weight and moods all her life, and so have we all. I am "the other one," and now I know why. I highly recommend this book, for speaking the "unspoken." Knowledge gives us the ability to understand, and to heal. At the end of each chapter are both a summary and strategies to deal with these issues. The author has given us an amazingly practical, working tool, in easy to read format. Whether you are a family member, teacher, or health professional, you'll be glad you read this book.