Brothers and Sisters of Disabled Children

Examing the overlooked subject of non-disabled siblings in families where there is a disabled child, this book details the experiences of these children and explores what it means to them to havea disabled brother or sister. Through family interviews and one-to-one meetings, Peter Burke records siblings' views on issues raning from the everyday social restrictions of their lives and the discrimination they face at school; the difficulties of finding their own identiy in "disabled" families and competition for parental attention; through to their concerns about the future. Putting this within the context of the existing framework of professional practice for sibling and family support services, the author stresses the importance and proven success of sibling support groups as models of empowerment and inclusion, and makes clear recommendations for future practice.