InsideInfo | Issue #1, 2008 | Royal Institute For Deaf and Blind Children

Book Review

Married with special-needs children: a couples’ guide to keeping connected

Married With Special Needs Children Book Cover

Authors: Laura E Marshak, Fran Pollock Prezant
Publisher: Woodbine House, 2007
ISBN Number: 1890627100
Renwick Library Number: 649.151 MARS

This very positive book recognises that there is tremendous stress placed on any marriage when a couple has a child with a disability. Based on the authors’ professional experience in counselling, it includes candid anecdotes from parents who have “lived through it”.

Practical advice is given in this sensible, compassionate and comprehensive guide. Addressing a range of specific concerns and issues including communication breakdown, stress management, conflict of parenting styles, divorce, romance and intimacy, blended families and remarriage, this guide provides problem-solving strategies and realistic suggestions to help your marriage succeed.

Factsheets & Reports

Siblings of Children with Disabilities Factsheet (84Kb)
This 10 page Word Doc produced by the Council for Exceptional Children discusses how children are affected by having a brother or sister with a disability, and what support can be provided to siblings of students with disabilities.
Microsoft Word or Word Viewer required

Journal Articles

An Interview with Don Meyer

Journal: The Exceptional Parent
Authors: Effie Laman, Michael F Shaughnessy
Details: Jul 2007, Volume 37, Issue 7, page 42, 5 pages

Siblings of children with various exceptionalities or disabilities are often asked to supervise, care and ultimately accept full-time responsibility. These siblings may experience a wide range of emotions that may dissipate, intensify or morph throughout life.

Siblings' Role in Occupational Therapy

Journal: The Exceptional Parent
Author: Carolyn O Cantu
Details: Jun 2003, Volume 33, Issue 6, page 40

Cantu discusses the benefits of sibling group therapy, its clinical settings, and sibling support services. Occupational therapists often find it necessary to plan and implement selected therapeutic activities that include sibling participation. Activity or play therapy in sibling groups provides positive therapeutic outcomes for children requiring intervention and interactive learning for their siblings.

We're Here Too!

Journal: The Exceptional Parent
Authors: Carol L Russell, Cassendra M Russell, Mikelle E Russell
Details: Jun 2003, Volume 33, Issue 6, Page 36

Russell et al detail unusual concerns and needs of siblings of children with special needs, including over-identification, embarrassment, guilt, resentment, increased responsibilities, pressure to achieve, and isolation, loneliness and loss, Moreover, they identify unusual opportunities for enhancing sibling relationships, including maturity and insight, self-concept/social competence, tolerance, pride, advocacy, and loyalty.

Web-sites

Raising Children with a Disability
Topics covering your child’s disability, family life and your feelings, disability rights and the law, as well as film clips and a disability reference.

Siblings of Disabled Children Factsheet
This fact sheet is about the brothers and sisters of children who have a severe disability or long-term illness and is written for parents.

When Special Needs Spark Sibling Rivalry
It's natural for parents to focus their energies on children with special needs. But it's also important not to overlook their siblings.

Siblings Australia Inc.
National organisation committed to enhancing the wellbeing of the siblings of children with disabilities.

Raising Deaf Kids
Information about children with hearing loss, published by the Deafness and Family Communication Center.

Siblings of Disabled Have Their Own Troubles
An article about children who grow up with siblings who have disabilities.