Sibling Support

The following resources were created by Children's Specialized Hospital Family Advisory Council to help siblings of those with special health care needs.

Recommended Reading

• Special Brothers and Sisters: Stories and Tips for Siblings of Children with a Disability or Serious illness by Annette Hames and Monica McCaffrey
  • A collection of real-life accounts from the brothers and sisters of children with special needs, disability or serious illness, ranging in age from 3 to 18 years.
• The Sibling Survival Guide by Dawn Huebner
  • This guide speaks directly to children ages 9-12, teaching them skills to help them manage feelings and resolve conflicts, strengthening the bonds between brothers and sisters.
• The Sibling Slam Book: What It's Really Like To Have A Brother Or Sister With Special Needs by Don Meyer and David Gallagher
  • Siblings of special-needs children discuss hopes, fears, frustrations, resentment, and triumphs regarding their life with their siblings.
• The Abilities in Me: Superstar Siblings by Gemma Keir
  • This book brings recognition to all those siblings, who care for their brothers and sisters at home. This picture book is aimed for children between 3-12 years old.
• By Siblings, For Siblings: siblings of people with disabilities supporting other siblings of people with disabilities by Natalie Hampton and Nicole Hampton
  • Written by siblings of people with disabilities and reviewed by medical professionals, the stories are meant to show other siblings of people with disabilities that they aren't alone, and that many other people can relate to their experiences and emotions. Grade level 2-3.
• Views from Our Shoes: Growing Up With a Brother or Sister With Special Needs by Donald J. Meyer and Cary Pillo

  • Offers advice to siblings of developmentally disabled children, assuring them that they are not alone, and that other kids have had similar experiences.