Sibling Issues

Realistic Gift Giving for the Holidays

by Dan CoulterNovember 4th, 2011
categories: , , ,

     Are your family holidays the joyous celebrations you see in greeting cards, or stressful sessions that fray nerves?  For many families dealing with Asperger Syndrome or autism, they’re a bit of both.

He's My Brother

by Dan CoulterMarch 6th, 2011
categories: , ,

I was 19 when I first heard the Hollies’ song, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.” Wikipedia says the phrase can be traced back as early as 1884.  Wiki reports an early use in a publication came from Ralph Waldo Trine: "Do you know that incident in connection with the little Scottish girl? She was trudging along, carrying as best she could a boy younger, but it seemed almost as big as she herself, when one remarked to her how heavy he must be for her to carry, when instantly came the reply: 'He's na heavy. He's mi brither.'"

Giving Siblings Their Due

by Dan CoulterFebruary 28th, 2008
categories: ,

Who do you love more, your child who has a condition such as Asperger Syndrome or autism -- or your child who doesn’t?  Dumb question?   It may not seem so dumb to a child who sees his or her parents devoting large amounts of time to a brother or sister with special needs.

Brothers and Sisters and Asperger Syndrome

by Dan CoulterSeptember 26th, 2007
categories: , ,

We’ve crossed the finish line!

Our DVD to help brothers and sisters understand siblings with Asperger Syndrome is complete.  My wife, Julie, and I interviewed children and adults from sixteen families.  While we heard a lot about difficulties and challenges, we also heard a lot of optimism.

Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Siblings

by Dan CoulterMarch 17th, 2007
categories: , ,

During the past seven months, my wife and I have met an amazing group of people.

In producing two videos about brothers and sisters of kids on the autism spectrum, we’ve conducted 57 interviews with siblings and parents.