Siblings of children with autism are in a unique position. They face challenges (similar to those that parents encounter), but at a time before they've developed appropriate coping strategies. As a result, they need support to ensure that they're informed, feel respected, and know how to be compassionate advocates for their brothers and sisters on…

The paper examines effects of handicapped children on normal siblings and explores the complexities of family networks. Major sibling studies undertaken since the early sixties are reviewed, and methodological shortcomings discussed. The possibility of identifying both siblings "at risk" and characteristics of adequately coping families is…

The booklet provides the families of disabled persons, as well as those involved with such families, information to aid in coping more effectively with disability, and thereby minimizing its disruptive impact on the family. Following an introductory chapter is a chapter on inner factors (such as physical and emotional health of family members) and…

The experiences and thoughts of numerous parents who have raised severely handicapped children are shared in this pamphlet. The pamphlet describes the life changes brought about by the birth of a severely handicapped child; stages in the grief process; coping strategies; the impact on siblings; the reaction of family members and the importance of…

The paper addresses stressors facing parents of emotionally disturbed adolescents and suggests ways that parents can be helped to battle "burnout." Ten stressors are identified: problems innate with the handicap, lack of progress and development, negative public opinion, pressures from spouse or other family members, pressures from members of…

Discusses ways in which children's literature can be used to help preschoolers deal with developmental change related to family relationships. Describes 52 children's books that focus on family relationships. (RJC)

This book examines the divorce experience firsthand-through the eyes and voices of children and adult children of divorce. People from various ages, ethnic groups, and backgrounds share artwork, essays, and their personal stories of divorce. The book contains practical suggestions for coping with the challenges of double-households, long-distance…

Noting that the number of grandparent-led families is increasing in the United States and that raising one's grandchildren can and should be a positive experience, this book is designed as a handbook for both grandparents and the professionals who advise them. Chapter 1, "Parenting Again," provides a checklist for the parenting…

The paper reviews the effects of a handicapped child upon parents and families in terms of adjustment responses, stress, behavior and role change, divorce, economic functions, and general coping and support systems. Professionals desiring to enhance parent involvement must first be sensitive to the parent's emotional well-being and must be able to…

This paper presents two articles for parents of children with disabilities. In the first article, "You Are Not Alone," by Patricia McGill Smith, a parent discusses the range of emotions that parents of children with disabilities experience and offers 18 suggestions for coping with the effects of disability on the family. These include:…

Offering an alternative to clinician's prevalent focus on family dysfunction, this book draws upon extensive clinical and research experience to present a framework for therapeutic and preventive work with couples and families who are distressed, vulnerable, or at risk. The book identifies key interactional processes that enable family members to…

Noting that family members need to work together to find ways of relating that feel comfortable, this book is intended to help teenage stepchildren understand stepfamily life and to find ways to make it happier. The chapters are: (1) "Divided Loyalty," including being a go-between for divorcing parents and where to live; (2) "Can Access Be Fun?"…

This brief booklet, which discusses characteristics and problems of learning disabled children, describes the typical learning-disabled child as one who frequently fails at school, appears disoriented, and has reading and language difficulties. The learning-disabled child is immature rather than abnormal, often functioning at a social and…

This paper and accompanying workshop address the changing and expanding role of school psychologists resulting from disasters and increasing violence in schools and communities. The objectives of this workshop were: to encourage school psychologists to expand their roles to include crisis intervention as an essential part of their service…

Perfectionist tendencies seem to exist on a continuum, ranging from healthy to dysfunctional behavior. Gifted students, in particular, struggle with perfectionism. This book discusses how to strike a balance between three main areas of life: (1) work and school; (2) play and hobbies; and (3) family and social relationships. Geared towards…