Being the Other One: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister Who Has Special Needs

Excellent point of view from the sibling of a child with a disability! I wish I would have read this and acknowledge my other child's feelings in a different manner than I had. It's a must read!

As a sibling of an older sister with special needs, I have spent the last 25 years of my life feeling like I was alone in the frustrations, anger and disappointment. I cannot tell you the relief that I have experienced just by reading this book. I know it doesn't change things, but it is nice to know that I am not a "bad person" for feeling some of the things that I have about my sister. This book has demonstrated that there are others out there, like me, who are working to address the difficulties that having a sibling with special needs causes, and ultimately thrive. I also just bought it for my parents, because I believe that reading this book, will help them see my point of view. In fact, conversations about this book that I have had with my parents have already gotten the ball rolling towards healing a very strained relationship. I would highly recommend it!

This was recommended by someone in a caregiver support group. I bought this for my oldest daughter who has had to grow up with two disabled siblings. She's 20 now and I wish I'd read it 10+ years ago. Both my husband and I read it and thought it was pretty good and helpful to understand how growing up "The Other One" makes you different. Of course, we were aware to some degree, but it always helps reading about others' experiences. Will be giving it to my daughter next week and I hope knowing that she's not alone in how she's felt will help her.

I grew up with a disabled younger brother, and am only now, in my 40s, starting to realize what affect that had on me, and on my way of reacting to life. This book gives me permission to explore this, without feeling guilty. I thank the author for her compassion and frankness. The many examples and testimonies allow a glimpse of many kinds of different affects, depending on different family situations. I highly recommend this book. It helps me understand myself a little better.

Good read

I love how in dept this book is. I don’t feel that much alone anymore with how I feel about my sibling.

It was a really good book

I only bought this book for a class I was taking, so it was kind of mandatory. However I really enjoyed this book, it is a look into the siblings of those who have a brother or sister with a disability which in turn impacts their lives in sometimes not a good way.

A very poignant and insightful book about the experiences of growing up with a sibling with a disability and what effects this can have. I wish I had read this years ago and would strongly recommend for all parents, social workers, youth workers, teachers etc dealing with children in this situation. For adult siblings it provides I think a very readable account of others' experiences that can help shed light on your own. More focused on learning disabilities than physical disabilities - which was a very slight downside for me - but otherwise fantastic and very well written.

Very useful

I absolutely loved this book. Although I didnt relate to exactly everything there was a lot I did relate to directly. I would strongly recommend this to anyone who grew up with a sibling who has special needs of any kind. And think it could be a good read for parents too to help them better understand how "the other" children feel.

As a sister, I can tell that thia book is great, I felt totally identified and it helped me to realize a lot of things. If you are trying to understand siblings, I recommend it.