Thicker Than Water: Essays by Adult Siblings of People with Disabilities

by Don Meyer (Editor)

Bound by blood, but not always by love, a sibling can be your friend or rival, defender or detractor--sometimes simultaneously But what's the impact on that bond when one sibling has a disability? In this thought-provoking essay collection, thirtynine adult siblings reflect on how their lives have been indelibly shaped by their relationship with a brother or sister with special needs. Edited by Don Meyer, creator of Sibshops and an expert on sibling issues, Thicker Than Water reveals both positive and negative aspects of growing up with someone who might have received the lion's share of his parents' attention or who now requires extra support as an adult. These compelling essays express a diverse range of sibling experiences and attitudes. Contributors range in age from 20 to 70 and have siblings whose disabilities include Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, seizures, visual impairment, fragile-X syndrome, intellectual disability, or mental illness. Several essays demonstrate how experiences vary based on a writer's age and generation. Many older contributors grew up when disabilities were stigmatized; younger contributors can attest to changing attitudes and greater acceptance of people with differences. Some contributors have chosen to work in a disability field or service profession and credit their siblings for influencing their career choices; others have pursued dreams far removed from a disability field. This absorbing collection offers the catharsis of discovery and shared experiences and provides fascinating reading not only for siblings, but also parents, caregivers, and anyone who shares a long-term relationship with a person with special needs or wonders what thatexperience may be like.

Genres: Nonfiction, Disability

234 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 2009