Mary McHugh was a grown woman when her mother died, leaving behind the responsibility of caring for her mentally disabled brother, Jack. Suddenly she was faced with the ambivalent feelings she had toward Jack -- anger, resentment, guilt, and disappointment -- feelings she had suppressed for years. But by getting to know Jack, McHugh soon realized the important role her brother had played in shaping her character, her life, and her other relationships. She realized as well that Jack had helped make her a more understanding, patient, and tolerant person.
McHugh shares these insights, along with the insights of experts and other siblings of people with disabilities, in this informative and enormously reassuring book that offers practical advice for each stage of development -- childhood, adolescence, and adulthood -- as well as a resource guide to organizations, books, videotapes, and workshops available for siblings and parents. Affirming, empowering, empathetic, and sympathetic, Special Siblings helps readers understand and cope with the complex web of emotions experienced by anyone sharing a childhood with a sibling with a disability and for parents juggling the needs of both an able-bodied child with those of one with a disability.
