Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families (Topics in Autism) [Paperback]

Sandra L., PH.D. Harris (Author)

Book Description

Series: Topics in Autism | Publication Date: September 1994

A guide to understanding sibling relationships, how autism affects these relationships, and what families can do to support their children as they cope with the intensive needs of a child with autism.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This first title in a new series meets the needs of parents who inevitably ask how autism affects the entire family. Given that brothers and sisters react differently to siblings with autism, depending on many factors such as birth order and age, this book will help the parents explain autism to them. It will also help siblings share their thoughts and feelings about how their family is different and their role concerning the autistic child. Much practical advice on how children can share time together is also offered. With clear and simple presentation directed at the average lay reader, Harris (dean, psychology, Rutgers Univ.; executive director, Douglas Developmental Center) has done an excellent job of offering guidance to the whole family of the autistic child. Recommended for public libraries.
Marguerite Mroz, Baltimore Cty. P.L.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

A Review.... "Along with meeting the many challenges presented by raising a child with autism, caregivers often find themselves working hard to help their other children adjust to the unique family situation. Parents and other caregivers frequently ask themselves, other parents, and professionals questions such as: 'When do I tell Jim's siblings that he has autism?' or 'How do I explain Heather's unusual behaviors to her brothers?' Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families, written by psychologist Sandra Harris, helps fill a gap in the resource literature by concentrating specifically on sibling needs and concerns. As one of the parents quoted in this helpful and pragmatic book states, 'We are just ordinary people in very extraordinary situations' (p.94). Indeed, much of the value of Harris's book lies in its ability to explore and elucidate these extraordinary situations in a nonjudgmental, practical, and ordinary manner. The book's subtitle, A Guide for Families, clearly indicates the author's intended audience. Drawing on years of clinical experience the author provides the reader with both specific information and recommendations for effective action. Siblings of Children with Autism maintains an attitude of deep respect for families. Commentary and stories from parents and siblings are integrated throughout the book. The author writes in clear prose and avoids jargon without talking down to her readers. True to the title and aim of the book, Harris keeps the focus on siblings and avoids the temptation to offer extensive ideas about how to best educate children with autism. Harris covers an impressive range of topics in this relatively brief book: explaining autism to siblings, fostering sibling relationships, enhancing communication, and balancing multiple family needs. Parents, who read Harris's book between many family demands, will be rewarded by her accessible, applicable, and practical recommendations for helping all of their children adjust successfully to their family's extraordinary situation.

Harris does not minimize the sometimes difficult and painful aspects of living with a person with autism. Yet she writes with a tone that both empowers and reassures. For instance, she acknowledges that the experience of discrimination toward a child with autism can constitute 'one of life's brutal moments' for both parents and siblings (p.29). Yet she refrains from moralizing or blaming. Instead, Harris identifies issues and concerns in a straightforward manner and provides parents with proactive ways of coping with difficult situations. Parents of young children are apt to find themselves supported rather than overwhelmed by the author's recommendations and reminder that 'you have an entire childhood in which to help your child learn what he needs to know' (p.31).

Although the primary goal of providing families with a usable guide is achieved admirably, scientifically minded parents and professionals may find themselves wanting more empirical evidence to support the presented information. For example, the author periodically outlines personal concerns and anxieties that siblings are likely to experience, such as, the fear that one can 'catch' autism. However, the book typically does not present sufficient information for the reader to estimate the likelihood that these issues will have a significant impact on sibling development if not addressed. At times, the reader may be unable to determine whether information is based on the author's extensive clinical experience or empirical research. When Harris does cite applicable research, especially with regard to her own work on facilitating play between siblings, her accounts are relevant and clear.

Finally, Harris describes how siblings' responses, understanding, and coping skills change across the life-span. By taking this developmental approach, she challenges her reader to consider how 'ordinary' child development (e.g., the 9-12-year-old's increasing social awareness and need to be accepted by peers) interacts with the 'extraordinary' situation the child experiences (e.g., having one's sibling with autism throw a tantrum in front of one's friends). This framework encourages flexibility in thinking and provides caregivers with ways to interpret a sibling's behavior that are apt to prompt effective responding. Siblings of Children with Autism is indeed a guide for families. Clearly written, the book clarifies the impact of normal growth and development on a sibling's ability to understand and respond to a child with autism. Both benefits and challenges to growing up with such a sibling are identified, as are effective ways for parents to respond. This is a book that parents are likely to keep at hand and reread over the years as their children mature. Professionals will find the book a valuable resource that they can recommend with confidence to families. Finally, older siblings of children with autism may find, to their interest and sometimes relief, their own experiences captured in the pages of this book." --Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Vol. 26, No. 6, 1996

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Product Details

• Paperback: 127 pages
• Publisher: Woodbine House (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0933149719
• ISBN-13: 978-0933149717
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,456,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful insights and ideas, April 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families (Topics in Autism) (Paperback)

This is a great book for parents, and a wonderful resource to have as the years go on. I found the information and suggestions to be straightforward and practical. This is a well-written, concise book. I wish that there were discussion of the possible issues and behaviors of a sibling who is having difficulties coping with the realities of having an autistic child. This book tends to be more proactive in its approach. The emphasis on maintaining normalcy in your family life is very important advice. This is a must-have for your "autism-library."

3.0 out of 5 stars I would give this one an 'OKAY', April 8, 2011

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**~*~VALLEY~*~** - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families (Topics in Autism) (Paperback)

I personally, while finding this information useful, did not find anything different than what would pertain to any 'normal' [by that meaning non-autism sibling relationship] sibling relationship. Of course middle children are going to feel left out on occasion because they are not the baby, or the oldest will feel as thought they have to 'parent' on occasion. Perhaps the youngest feels like a baby, or likes being 'babied.' I don't know, personally I did not learn anything new or useful. A good book to read, in general; however if you are going to try to educate yourself on autism and related topics, I can think of many other books to recommend. The Autism Answer Book: More Than 300 of the Top Questions Parents Ask is just one that I can think of that touches not only on this topic, but many others, as well. for one SPECIFIC to sibling relationships, I would recommend: Views from Our Shoes: Growing Up With a Brother or Sister With Special Needs. A book that tells it like it is. Right on.

7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly "reader friendly" text, July 15, 2003

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families (Topics in Autism) (Paperback)

Now in its second edition, Siblings Of Children With Autism the collaborative effort of Sandra L. Harris (a Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology) and Beth A. Glasberg (a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Research Professor at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University) and offers the reader a straightforward, authoritative, instructional resource addressing questions, concerns, and issues for the siblings in a family with an autistic child -- children who may require a disproportionate amount of care and attention from the parents. With its thoroughly "reader friendly" text, Siblings Of Children With Autism is a vital contribution the field and a strongly recommended reference, especially for the non-specialist general reader who is a member of, or has dealings, with the brothers and sisters of an autistic child in the family.