Special Siblings : Growing up with Someone with a Disability

In this absorbing and candid book, Mary McHugh reveals what she has experienced as the sister of a man with cerebral palsy and mental retardation--and shares what others have learned about being and having a "special sibling." Weaving together a lifetime of memories, 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 parents' grief, and understanding their sibling's disability
- adolescence--such as 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, and planning for their sibling'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.

Mary McHugh is a freelance writer who has contributed extensively to The New York Times, and served as a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and as an editor at Woman's World and other national publications.