One of the least fun moments I recall from my years of growing up with an autistic brother was when he bit me on the cheek — just in time for my class photo. I was 12 and he was 11. I went into school with visible bite marks, and when they sat me in the chair for my solo shot, I told them that the cat had done it.

That’s one of the bad stories. As for a good one . . . um, to be honest, I have a hard time coming up with much.I know that people are warmed by stories of siblings who selflessly shower the disabled child with love, attention and support. I think that’s great, too. And it’s for real for some siblings. But for many of us, relating to a sibling who is on the autism spectrum can be complicated. The challenges to a warm, close relationship are many. Normal sibling rivalry doesn’t work, because it can never be a fair fight. 

To read the rest of the article please follow the link below: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/autism-can-have-large-effects-good-and-bad-on-a-disabled-childs-siblings/2012/08/31/e35a82e2-b956-11e1-abd4-aecc81b4466d_story.html

Thanksgiving is a time of joyful celebration with family and friends. A time when we come together to reflect with gratitude on the blessing we have received over the past year and beyond. It is also a time to reflect on the deep bonds between siblings and other family members.

At the Sibling Leadership Network we are committed to providing siblings and their families with the information and tools to advocate with and alongside their family members with disabilities. Over the past year at the Sibling Leadership Network we have increased our membership to over 3,700 members; put on a national conference in conjunction with the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities that brought together siblings, self-advocates, family members, and professionals from 22 states as well as Canada and Japan; developed policy briefs highlighting legislation significant to siblings, continued and developed new partnerships with leading national disability organizations, led a variety of informative webinars; and provided resources, education, and peer support to numerous individuals through direct contact, conference presentations, and events.


http://siblingleadership.org/2013/11/25/give-thanks/

Title of talk: Recognizing Glass Children — What It Means to Be a Sibling of a Child with Special Needs

About this talk: Having lost one brother to the world of autism and another to a terminal illness, Alicia Arenas never knew a normal childhood. Expected to always put on a brave face, Arenas played the role of good girl on the outside. One the inside, however, she was dying. In this heart-wrenching talk, Arenas tells parents of children with special needs — and their surrounding community — to stop looking through the siblings of children with special needs.

If you received a diagnosis for a disorder that’s often stigmatized and misunderstood, a condition that’s perpetually challenging and isolating, how would you feel? What would be your response, learning you have Asperger’s? For Susan Boyle, the answer is, “relieved and relaxed.” 

Click the link below to read more. 

 http://www.salon.com/2013/12/09/susan_boyles_powerful_graceful_aspergers_statement/

The Sibling Stories blog has a compilation of stories from the siblings point of view. Each and every story is unique, meaningful and heartfelt. It is always good to share your perspective and get the perspectives of others. Please take a moment to read. Do you have a story of your own? 

http://siblingstories.blogspot.com/?view=snapshot

What an absolutely amazing video. Watch it twice because the first time you will cry. 

Here is some information on the OHEL Organization:
Since 1969, OHEL has served as a dependable haven of individual and family support, helping people of all ages surmount everyday challenges, heal from trauma, and manage with strength and dignity during times of crises.

Through highly-rated foster care, developmental disability, mental health, and other programs and services, OHEL provides supportive housing, treatment, care coordination, education, outreach and much more to elevate lives and strengthen individuals and communities in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, Florida, California and worldwide on the web.

Please visit: http://www.ohelfamily.org/