Resources
- Siblings of Mentally Disabled Face Own Lifelong Challenges, According to ResearchersPeople who have a sibling with mental illness more likely to be depressed during their lifetimes.
Streaming Media
- The Sandwich KidDisabilities affect not only those who are diagnosed, but they have a strong impact on the siblings of people with disabilities. THE SANDWICH KID seeks to give a voice to those who are impacted by the day-to-day living with a brother or sister having a developmental or other disability.
- Body & Soul: Diana & KathyBODY & SOUL: DIANA & KATHY, directed by Academy Award-nominee Alice Elliott, is a look at an unusual, symbiotic relationship between two people some would call profoundly disabled. Two of the country's most remarkable advocates for people with disabilities, Diana Braun, who has Down Syndrome, and Kathy Conour, who has cerebral palsy, met three decades ago and vowed to fight to live independent lives. Told in an intimate vérité style, the film is a story of a compelling and creative friendship, as Diana and Kathy model a grand experiment in independent living.
- Siblings of AutismSilblings of kids who have autism have unique perspectives on Autistic Spectrum Disorder. In this 30 minutes production these wise siblings ages 4-18 tell us about their frustration, their pain, their growth to acceptance and their exceptional loyalty to their siblings. Interspersed are brief interviews with some of the siblings on the spectrum. This is a must see for parents, professionals and kids who live and work with those diagnosed with ASD.
Perspectives
Special Siblings
In this absorbing and candid book, Mary McHugh reveals what she experienced as the sister of a man with cerebral palsy and mental retardation--and shares what others have learned about being and having a âeoespecial sibling.âe#157; Weaving a lifetime of memories and reflections with relevant research and interviews with more than 100 other siblings and experts, McHugh explores a spectrum of feelings--from anger and guilt to love and pride--and helps readers understand the issues siblings may encounter in childhood--such as dealing with their own needs for attention and information, identifying with their parentsâe(tm) grief, understanding their siblingâe(tm)s disability, and coping with their own feelings adolescence--such as participating in family discussions, fitting in with peers, searching for their own identity, and talking to a counselor or therapist adulthood--such as building a support system, navigating adult relationships, deciding whether to have children, and planning for their siblingâe(tm)s future care Emotional and enlightening, this book is a must-read for teen and adult siblings--and all professionals who support people with disabilities and their families.