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

Kate Strohm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 8, 2005

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 emotional challenges that are often overlooked. Able siblings commonly struggle with feelings of isolation, grief, anger, and anxiety—and these and other emotional issues can have lifelong effects.

Being the Other One is based on the author's own experience (as a sibling of a sister with cerebral palsy) and on extensive interviews she conducted with siblings of all ages. In clear and compassionate terms, Strohm explores the often secret feelings of siblings and offers valuable strategies for coping with the challenges they face.

Being the Other One reveals the difficulties faced by siblings at all stages of life, from early childhood through adulthood, when siblings must often assume responsibility for the care of their disabled brothers and sisters. Though the book looks honestly at the many challenges that siblings face, it is full of encouragement and practical strategies. Strohm emphasizes that when siblings are able to clearly identify and openly express their feelings and concerns—and when parents and health professionals offer the needed support—siblings can thrive. This book includes writing exercises for personal exploration and a substantial resources section listing helpful books, organizations, and websites.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Insightful and informative, honest and heartening, Being the Other One is an empowering guide that illuminates the lifelong challenges faced by the siblings of people with disabilities. Whether you're a parent, a professional, or, like Kate Strohm herself, a sibling, you reach for this book again and again, finding both support and solutions in its pages."—Rachel Simon, author of Riding the Bus with My Sister: A True Life Journey

"This book really made me think. Kate Strohm's wise commentary urges us all to be honest about the rough parts of living with disability in the family, and her practical strategies help us to make the most of what's good."—Judy Karasik, coauthor of The Ride Together: A Brother and Sister's Memoir of Autism in the Family

"A wonderfully readable and practical contribution to the growing list of books about and by siblings of people who have disabilities. Kate does a marvelous job of weaving her personal experiences with useful advice for parents, service providers, and siblings themselves."—Don Meyer, Director, Sibling Support Project of the Arc of the United States

About the Author

Kate Strohm is a counselor, health educator, and journalist. She is the director of Siblings Australia, a program that provides resources and support for siblings of children with special needs, as well as for their families and health care providers. She is a sibling herself to a sister with cerebral palsy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1 edition (February 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590301501
• ISBN-13: 978-1590301500
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #351,796 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Giving voice to the "unspoken", October 1, 2005

By 

The Other One (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Being the Other One: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister Who Has Special Needs (Paperback)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compassionate and insightful., September 18, 2007

By 

K. Childs (Rochester, MI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Being the Other One: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister Who Has Special Needs (Paperback)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Siblings and Parents, September 22, 2008

By 

E. Hanson - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Being the Other One: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister Who Has Special Needs (Paperback)

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.