Living With a Brother or Sister With Special Needs: A book for Sibs
(Siblings)
Meyer, D.J., Vadasy, P.,Seattle, University of Washington Press, 1996
ISBN 0-295-97547-4
This book lends the voice of hope, confidence and clarity to the experiences many people whose siblings with special needs have. It not only sheds light on many questions that often crop up, it also provides a safe forum to explore any and all sibling related issues.
I like the way Meyer respects his readers' intelligence. It is so critical, in fact paramount for people to be informed about the special needs their siblings have. That is a good way to foster honest relationships and inclusion within the family. That also promotes acceptance of the members who have special needs.
Meyer's book serves as a medical, legal and educational advocate. It provides much needed information about services in these areas. I especially liked the part where people are strongly encouraged and rightfully so to make provisions for their children with special needs and to keep the other children without special needs informed of these decisions. People with special needs are vital members of their respective families and each person impacts upon the lives of others. That is still another reason why it is so crucial to have frank, open discussions with all the family members so as to keep the lines of communication open and to prevent secrets and fear. The fear of the unknown and the lack of communication causes problems and helps no one.
I wish this book had existed a generation ago! I can't recommend it highly enough and it is a book for everybody, parents; all children; educators; medical professionals and the world at large. I love this book!
NOTE: This book is only for loan to our Western Australian members.
Hi My name is Rebekah Davison. I am nine, and I have CF. We all know that we need to do good exercise to keep our lungs healthy. My favourite exercise is Irish dancing. I started doing Irish dancing when I was 5, at the Carroll School of Irish Dance. I think it is great fun. We do lots of skipping and jumping, and it makes me work really hard. 