The Other Kid

Parents and sibling support group leaders can use this workbook as a tool to help children express all their wonders and worries. The book allows the child to read, think, draw and discuss their feelings in a way that reassures them that their feelings are normal and acceptable. All proceeds from the sale of this workbook will support Family Services for Special Needs Children and their Siblings at ACLD in Bethpage, NY The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities that are like those provided to individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin and religion. When the person with disabilities is a child, this will include special accommodations in schools, recreational programs, and any activity open to children in general. Within the home, the child with disabilities, whether from birth, serious illness or injury, is surrounded by a loving family who must also make accommodations in many aspects of daily life. Taking care of a special needs child has an emotional impact on the entire family. With the rise of autism and other development disabilities, many typically developing children have seriously ill or or special needs siblings. These children often have to make due with a smaller share of their parent's time, energy, or financial resources, and may experience troubling emotions such as jealousy, guilt, sadness, anger or embarrassment. There is, however, another side to being the brother or sister of a child with special needs:the opportunity to develop positive traits, such as empathy, tolerance, insight and loyalty.