Pleasanton PTA Council Special Needs Committee http://www.pleasantonsnc.org/

RESOURCES FOR SIBLINGS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS The following events, resources and organizations are not sponsored or endorsed by Pleasanton Unified School District or the Pleasanton PTA Council, and are listed solely for information purposes.

Support Groups for Siblings of Children with Special Needs 1. Spectrum Strategies Siblings Support Group: http://spectrumstrategies.org/ Six week program for siblings of children with autism, aged 8-11, to meet in a small support group of 4-8 participants for 1.5 hours each session. Sessions consist of structured play activities and discussion specifically designed for the participants. Fall session will start mid-late September 2016. Group meets at Wellspring (1543 Sunnyvale Avenue, Walnut Creek). Cost is $120 total for 6 sessions. For more info: [email protected] 2. Siblings Support Project: https://www.siblingsupport.org/ a Peer support groups for school-age siblings of kids with special needs i Sibshops https://www.siblingsupport.org/about-sibshops/sibshops ii Meeting other Sibs online o SibNet (a closed group-only adult sibs of people of special needs may join) https://www.siblingsupport.org/connect-with-others-sibs/meeting_other_sibs_online/sibnet o SibTeen (Facebook for teen sibs) https://www.siblingsupport.org/connect-with-others-sibs/meeting_other_sibs_online/sibteen o Sib20 (for young adult sibs 18 to early30s) https://www.siblingsupport.org/connect-with-others-sibs/meeting_other_sibs_online/sib20 b “What Siblings Would Like Parents and Service Providers to Know.” Written with the help of many sibs,

this document is a collection of 20 great suggestions. https://www.siblingsupport.org/publications/ourpapers 3.

Sibling Leadership Network: http://siblingleadership.org/

Books for Siblings of Children with Special Needs 1. Views from Our Shoes: Growing up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs Edited by Donald Meyer 2. Everybody is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters with Autism by Fiona Bleach 3. The Sibling SLAM Book: What it's Really Like to Have a Brother or Sister with Special Needs Edited by Don Meyer 4. M y Brother Sammy is Special by Becky Edwards and David Armitage 5. Oh, Brother! Growing up with a Special Needs Sibling by Natalie Hale and Kate Sternberg 6. All About My Brother: An Eight-Year-Old Sister’s Introduction to her Brother Who Has Autism by Sarah Peralta 7. My Brother is Very Special by Amy May 8. Sometimes My Brother: Helping Kids Understand Autism Through a Sibling’s Eyes by Angie Healy 9. My Brother, Matthew by Mary Thompson 10. Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs: A Book for Sibs by Donald Meyer and Patricia F. Vadasy 11. Autism, the Invisible Cord: A Sibling’s Diary by Barbara Cain 12. Autism and Me: Sibling Stories by Ousie Shapiro 13. Autism through a Sister’s Eyes: A Young Girl’s View of Her Brother’s Autism by Eve Band and Emily Hecht 14. The Boy Who Said Nonsense by Felizia Sanzari Chernesky

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15. Brotherly Feelings: Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Asperger’s Syndrome by Sam Frender and Robin Schiffmiller 16. Brothers and Sisters by Laura Dwight 17. Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course of Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters by Brian Skotko and Susan Levine 18. Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism by Laurie Lears and Karen Ritz 19. Just Because by Rebecca Elliott 20. Leah’s Voice by Lori DeMonia 21. Love for Logan by Lori DeMonia 22. My Brother is Autistic by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos 23. My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete 24. My Brother’s a World-Class Pain: A Sibling’s Guide to ADHD/Hyperactivity by Michael Gordon 25. My Holly: A Story of a Brother’s Understanding and Acceptance by Julie Leavitt Wolfe 26. My Invisible World: Life with my Brother, His Disability & His Service Dog (A story about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) by Morasha Winkour 27. My Brother Daniel by Jenny Berger 28. My Little Brother is a Little Different: An Autism Story by Tammy Parker Cox 29. The Other Kid: A Draw It Out Guidebook for Kids Dealing with a Special Needs Sibling by Lorraine Donlon 30. There Will Always Be Love by Jocelyn Davis; illustrated by Jessica Davis 31. The Normal One: Life with a Difficult or Damaged Sibling by Jeanne Safer 32. Sibling Stories: Reflections on Life with a Brother or Sister on the Autism Spectrum by Lynne Stern Feiges and Mary Jane Weiss 33. Siblings and Autism: Stories Spanning Generations and Cultures Edited by Debra Cumberland and Bruce Mills 34. Siblings: The Autism Spectrum through Our Eyes Edited by Jane Johnson and Anne van Rensselaer 35. Why Do You Do That? A Book about Tourette Syndrome for Children and Young People by Uttom Chowdhury and Mary Robertson 36. My Brother is Different: A Sibling’s Guide to Coping with Autism by Barbara J. Morvay 37. What About Me? Growing up with a Developmentally Disabled Sibling by Bryna Siegel and Stuart Silverstein 38. When a Brother or Sister is Autistic (Coping) by Marsha Sarah Rosenberg 39. Everything You Need to Know When a Brother or Sister is Autistic by Marsha Sarah Rosenberg 40. Andy and His Yellow Frisbee by Mary Thompson 41. My Brother Kevin has Autism by Richard Carlson; illustrated by Kevin Carlson 42. Brothers & Sisters: A Special Part of Exceptional Families by Peggy Gallagher, Thomas Powell, and Cheryl Rhodes 43. Have You Met My Brother, John? by Mary Potts 44. A Kid’s Guide to Autism by Cameron Davis (A 2nd grader who has a 6-year-old brother with Autism) 45. My Sister Annie by Bill Dodds 46. Special Siblings: Growing up with Someone with a Disability by Mary McHugh 47. My Big Brother Bobby: A Story to Help Kids Understand Angry Feelings and Behaviors in Others by Rebecca Dauer 48. My Sister, Alicia May by Nancy Tupper Ling 49. Princess Pooh by Kathleen Muldoon 50. I’m the Big Sister Now by Michelle Emmert 51. The Best Worst Brother by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen 52. Rolling Along with Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Cindy Meyers 53. I Have a Sister; My Sister is Deaf by Jeanne Whitehouse Peterson

Films & Videos for People with Siblings with Special Needs 1. 2. 3. 4.

The Sandwich Kid: A Film about Siblings & Disabilities. Created by Keri Bowers, Featuring Jace King. Understanding Brothers and Sisters with Asperger Syndrome. Coulter Video Productions Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism Spectrum. Coulter Video Productions What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (PG-13; parents strongly cautioned)

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5. They’re Just Regular People: Autism from the Sibling’s Perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ0HdtXStrk&list=PL4D2F2DB3A5F371F7 6. What Do People Assume About Having a Sibling with Autism? https://www.facebook.com/HuffPostParents/videos/1124507054238303/?fref=nf 7. What It’s Like to Have a Brother with Autism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHC0FzywHGY

Books for Adults and Young Adults with Siblings with Special Needs 1. The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information for Brothers and Sisters of Adults with Disabilities Edited by Don Meyer and Emily Holl 2. The Ride Together: A Brother and Sister’s Memoir of Autism in the Family by Paul Karasik and Judy Karasik 3. At Home in the Land of Oz: Autism, My Sister, and Me by Anne Barnhill 4. Thicker Than Water: Essays by Adult Siblings of People with Disabilities Edited by Don Meyer 5. Special Siblings: Growing up with Someone with a Disability by Mary McHugh 6. Check This Box If Your Are Blind: A Brother, A Sister, A True Story by Susan Meyers 7. Siblings and Autism: Stories Spanning Generations and Cultures Edited by Debra Cumberland and Bruce Mills 8. That Went Well: Adventures in Caring for My Sister by Terrell Harris Dougan 9. Special Brothers and Sisters: Stories and Tips for Siblings of Children with a Disability or Serious Illness by Jessica Kingsley Pub 10. How to Be a Sister: A Love Story with a Twist of Autism by Eileen Garvin 11. Being the Other One: Growing up with a Brother or Sister Who Has Special Needs by Kate Strohm 12. My eXtra Special Brother by Carly Heyman 13. Big Sister: A Journey of Genes & Heart by Anne Martin Powell

Books for Parents and Families to Help Siblings of Children with Special Needs 1. The Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Rethink Family Dinner, Fight Smarter, Go Out and Play, and Much More by Bruce Feiler 2. The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson 3. Mindful Discipline: A Loving Approach to Setting Limits & Raising and Emotionally Intelligent Child by Shauna Shapiro and Chris White 4. Special Children; Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child with a Disability by Robert Naseef 5. My Brother is Different: A Parents’ Guide to Help Children Cope with an Autistic Sibling by Barbara J. Morvay 6. Sibshops: Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs by Don Meyer and Patricia Vadasy 7. Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families (Topics in Autism) by Sandra Harris and Beth Glasberg 8. Autism in the Family by Robert Naseef 9. Diary of a Crazy Woman: One Woman’s Fight to Help Her Son with Autism Find a Place in the World by Mayrna Ron 10. Hope for Families of Children on the Autistic Spectrum by Lynda Young 11. How Do I Handle a Special Needs Child? By Monique Duell 12. Inspired by Autism: A Spoonful of Comfort for Parents of Children with Disabilities by Claudreen Jackson 13. Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum: Overcoming the Challenges and Celebrating the Gifts by Eileen RileyHall 14. A Practical Guide to Autism: What Every Parent, Family Member, and Teacher Needs to Know by Fred Volkmar and Lisa Wiesner 15. Reflections from a Different Journey: What Adults with Disabilities Wish All Parents Knew by Stanley Klein and John Kemp 16. Six-Word Lessons for Dads with Autistic Kids: 100 Lessons to Help Fathers and their Children Create Strong Bonds by Lonnie Pacelli (Especially chapter 12: Remember You Have Other Kids Too) 17. Wit and Wisdom from the Parents of Special Needs Kids: Mostly True Stories of Life on the Spectrum Edited by Lynn Hudoba

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18. It Isn’t Fair! Siblings of Children with Disabilities Edited by Stanley Klein and Maxwell Schleifer 19. Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs: A Book for Sibs by Donald Meyer and Patricia F. Vadasy 20. How to Cope with Mental Illness in Your Family: A Self-Care Guide for Siblings, Offspring, and Parents by Diane Marsh and Rex Dickens 21. When Madness Comes Home: Help and Hope for Families of the Mentally Ill by Victoria Secunda

Articles & Radio Program Transcripts About Siblings of Children with Special Needs 1. 2.

3. 4.

5.

“Autistic Kids: The Sibling Problem” article by Amy Lennard Goehner http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1698128-1,00.html “Siblings with Special Needs Change Childhood” NPR Talk of the Nation segment with guests Dr. Ranit Mishori, family physician, and Don Meyer, director, Sibling Support Project http://www.npr.org/2012/09/25/161754564/siblings-with-special-needs-change-childhood “Coping with an Autistic Brother: A Teenager’s Take” NPR All Things Considered segment with Erin Davis http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98012194 “5 Ways to Support Siblings in Special Needs Families: Making Sure the Other Kids Get What They Need, Too” article by Alyson Krueger http://childmind.org/article/5-ways-to-support-siblings-in-special-needs-families/ “The Importance of Parental Support and Guidance for Special Needs Siblings” article by Trish Thorpe

http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/04/25/the-importance-of-parental-support-and-guidance-forspecial-needs-siblings/ 6. 7. 8. 9.

“Siblings of Disabled Children Have Own Special Needs” article by Norman T. Berlinger http://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/06/health/06SIBL.html “The Winds of the Hurricane: Siblings in the Storm of Illness” article by Joan Fleitas http://www.lehman.cuny.edu/faculty/jfleitas/bandaides/hurricane.html “We’re People First…A Celebration of Diversity” Audio CD by Jeff Moyer Siblings and Cancer http://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/talking-with-family-and-friends/siblings-and-cancer

Local Resources 1. Spectrum Strategies: http://spectrumstrategies.org/ 2. Family Resource Navigators: http://familyresourcenavigators.org/ 3. Care Parent Network: http://www.contracostaarc.com/html/care.html  Family Support & Mentoring http://www.contracostaarc.com/html/care_family_support_mentoring.html

General Websites/Other Resources 1. Tip Sheet: Strengthening Sibling Relationships Between Children with Special and Typical Needs

http://www.fraser.org/Fraser/media/Assets/pdfs/Strengthening-Sibling-Relationships-Between-Children-withSpecial-and-Typical-Needs.pdf 2. Sibling Rivalry http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/sibriv.htm 3. Siblings of Kids with Special Needs: http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/specneed.htm 4. The Arc - Largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families: http://www.thearc.org/siblings 5. Center for Parent Information & Resources - Central resource of information and products to the community of Parent Training Information Centers and the Community Parent Resource Centers. Sibling Issues: http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/siblings/ 6. Child Mind Institute - Nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders: http://childmind.org/

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