 This revised and updated edition takes a fresh look at what it's like to grow up as the brother or sister of a child with autism—the basics of sibling relationships at all ages and how autism can affect these dynamics. Parents get important advice about balancing responsibilities for each child, encouraging their kids to share feelings, explaining autism to other children, and initiating play and interaction between siblings.This new edition includes case examples reflecting improvements in applied behavior analysis techniques, new photos, an updated resource section, and tips on how technology can help siblings and their families connect with other families. Throughout the book, family case studies provide insights into how other families deal with common concerns and situations. Sandra L. Harris, PhD, is a Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor Emerita at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology and the Department of Psychology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She is the founder and executive director of the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center. Dr. Harris is the co-author of Right from the Start (2007), Reaching Out, Joining In (2001) and Incentives for Change (2004) Beth A. Glasberg PhD, BCBA-D is the Director of Glasberg Behavioral Consulting Services, LLC, and the coordinator for the masters program in applied psychology, behavior analysis concentration, at Rider University. She is the author of Functional Behavior Assessment for People with Autism (2006) and Stop That Seemingly Senseless Behavior! (2008). "One of the first questions many parents ask when their child is diagnosed with autism is 'How is this going to affect my other child(ren)?.' This new edition of Siblings of Children with Autism answers that question and is an invaluable guide for families. The inner world and experiences of typical siblings—as children and adults—come alive on the pages through the words of real family members and the wisdom of the authors. In plain language, this book provides parents with tools for understanding and balancing siblings' needs within the family. The authors go beyond statements of the importance of parent-sibling communication as the key to sibling understanding and adjustment, they provide concrete examples and recommendations that parents will be able to use to explain, discuss, and negotiate the challenges of family life with autism. The chapter on how to encourage play without overburdening siblings, along with the chapter about the special concerns of adult siblings, offer keen insights into siblings' needs across the lifespan. If I could recommend only one book to parents who want to know how autism will affect their other children, this third edition of Siblings of Children with Autism would be the one."—Debra Lobato, PhD, Director of SibLink/Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center and Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University "Siblings of Children with Autism, Third edition, is a remarkably wise book, one of the very best books on autism I have read. It is a must-read book for every parent of a child with autism who has other children. Harris and Glasberg have a feel for what living with autism is like from the inside out; they understand the pushes and pulls of every day life and the texture of feelings and relationships among family members, as in no other book I have read. This book has been written to be understood, not to impress. While it is well documented, the language is straightforward, understandable and practical, full of many examples of concrete family discussions and interviews with children, both siblings and with ASDs."—Travis Thompson, PhD, Graduate Faculty Member, Special Education Program, Ed Psych, University of Minnesota "When the complexities of autism are introduced, the pressure on parents to make the right choices can be overwhelming. Drs. Harris and Glasberg provide real and practical guidance in creating a balanced, nurturing environment for the entire family. My family has found much happiness as a result of following many of the suggestions found in this book."—Scott Zadroga, software developer, grateful and proud father of two 178 pages. 2012
Keywords: Special needs, autism, ABA, applied behavior analysis |
