Customer Reviews

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

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4 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

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.

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.

I purchased this book a couple years ago and read it when my "typical" daughter was 6 and her brother was 4. It was a good read at the time, but I thought we were doing fairly well giving her special time and put it on the shelf. Fast forward two years and I referenced it the other day because of talks my daughter and I were having. I was amazed to see how closely my daughter's thoughts mirrored the author and others in the book. Because of what I read, I was better able to understand my daughter, empathize and change some of my actions. She is already much happier. I don't think this is appropriate yet for a young child, but it is a "must read" for a special needs parent. I'm sure I'll be referencing it and the suggestions throughout the years.

I'm facing several situations as those described in the Book. It was really important for us ( myself and my wife ) to be able to have a so clear picture of all arounrs siblings.

This was recommended by someone in a caregiver support group. I bought this for my oldest daughter who has had to grow up with two disabled siblings. She's 20 now and I wish I'd read it 10+ years ago. Both my husband and I read it and thought it was pretty good and helpful to understand how growing up "The Other One" makes you different. Of course, we were aware to some degree, but it always helps reading about others' experiences. Will be giving it to my daughter next week and I hope knowing that she's not alone in how she's felt will help her.