Siblings and Autism

Stories Spanning Generations and Cultures

Edited by Debra L. Cumberland and Bruce E. Mills

What is it like to grow up with a sibling on the autism spectrum? What kind of relationship do such siblings have? How does that relationship change as the siblings get older?

In this moving collection of beautifully-written personal accounts, siblings from a variety of backgrounds, and in different circumstances, share their experiences of growing up with a brother or sister with autism. Despite their many differences, their stories show that certain things are common to the "sibling experience": the emotional terrain of looking on or being overlooked; the confusion of accommodating resentment, love, and helplessness; and above all the yearning to connect across neurological difference.

Siblings and Autism is a thought-provoking book that will appeal to anyone with a personal or professional interest in autism, including parents of siblings of children on the spectrum, teachers, counsellors, and psychologists.

MY REVIEW

I really appreciate that this book addresses the siblings of Autistic kids. They are often overlooked and they need support in their unique role. I love that this book acknowledges that their lives ARE different from many of their friends. Having a sibling with Autism certainly changes the dynamic of a family.
I enjoyed reading from the many different perspectives and seeing the unique ways in which various people coped with their Autistic siblings. I thought the book was well written and easy to understand.

Thanks so much to Jessica Kingsley Publishers for sending me a copy of this book to review.