In this absorbing and candid book, Mary McHugh reveals what she experienced as the sister of a man with cerebral palsy and mental retardation--and shares what others have learned about being and having a "special sibling." Weaving a lifetime of memories and reflections with relevant research and interviews with more than 100 other siblings and experts, McHugh explores a spectrum of feelings--from anger and guilt to love and pride--and helps readers understand the issues siblings may encounter in:

• childhood--such as dealing with their own needs for attention and information, identifying with their parents' grief, understanding their sibling's disability, and coping with their own feelings.
• adolescence--such as participating in family discussions, fitting in with peers, searching for their own identity, and talking to a counselor or therapist.
• adulthood--such as building a support system, navigating adult relationships, deciding whether to have children, and planning for their sibling's future care

Emotional and enlightening, this book is a must-read for teen and adult siblings--and all professionals who support people with disabilities and their families.