tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post5248397833460982139..comments2024-02-25T10:24:30.868-05:00Comments on Special needs disability parenting BLOOM: Pillow: A sibling's storyBLOOM - Parenting Kids With Disabilitieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06901482901008135659noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-83724967847639566012012-02-29T08:12:06.101-05:002012-02-29T08:12:06.101-05:00Dear Elizabeth, please review the recent research ...Dear Elizabeth, please review the recent research I have posted on my website. It is true that some parents, like yourself, are better educated about the need to support typical siblings. However, research on young caregivers published in 2005 indicates that many young children are still being asked to pitch in as surrogate parents at home.<br /><a href="http://sophiawong.info/parentification" rel="nofollow">http://sophiawong.info/parentification</a>Sophia Wonghttp://sophiawong.infonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-31274266333178090802012-02-27T10:34:43.782-05:002012-02-27T10:34:43.782-05:00I am a typically developing sib in my late 20s, wi...I am a typically developing sib in my late 20s, with a sister in her early 30s who has mild cognitive disabilities and maybe some form of autism. Her disabilities are much less than many of the disabled people (children and adults) in the world I read about, such that she never needed "babysitting" or any sort of formal caregiving. My parents never asked me to take on additional responsibilities, I was always very involved in school activities, and a very good student. I went away to college and then graduate school. I do not live in the same part of the country as my parents, or my sister (who still lives with them). Which is to say that to all appearances, my upbringing was in no way hindered by my sister.<br /><br />And I don't really identify with the Pillow/Sister story, but I DO identify an incredible amount with what Professor Wong wrote in her author's note about keeping my feelings to myself, not burdening the family, and taking on (in my case emotional) responsibilities that were beyond my age or ability. This is an important topic and one that (even now/recently) is not talked about enough. Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-13802606254512133082012-02-27T00:51:19.649-05:002012-02-27T00:51:19.649-05:00Hmmm, Elizabeth, I think you may be a little wrong...Hmmm, Elizabeth, I think you may be a little wrong here. I know a number of families who have young disabled sibs and typically developing sibs. Let me tell you, not every family is "educated," not every family can afford babysitters or respite care even if they could find soeone qualified, and yes, sibs still do help take of disabled sibs, and trust me, they won't always tell you that they are not happy and thrilled to do so.<br />And yes, not all parents, even in this enlightened age, make plans for the future, when they may become ill or pass away, but the typically developing sibs will be there . . .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-81110012875789133032012-02-25T01:01:47.461-05:002012-02-25T01:01:47.461-05:00Hmmmm. I have found that older siblings of the dis...Hmmmm. I have found that older siblings of the disabled -- those who grew up before the last twenty or so years -- have had very different experiences than those who are growing up in the present. I am certain that this is because the field has been "opened," and more families are educated in what to do and what not to do. I know that there's a lot of work left to do and much to learn, but most of what I've read on the subject, written by older adults seems irrelevant. I struggled in the early years with how to help my sons cope with their sister's disability, and I felt very conflicted about what was "too much" and what was "reality," and I've found that it's an ongoing process. I look forward to the rest of this.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03313726816776097840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-75622452161540300642012-02-24T23:10:40.026-05:002012-02-24T23:10:40.026-05:00Hi Matt -- I will post her follow-up piece tomorro...Hi Matt -- I will post her follow-up piece tomorrow!<br /><br />Thanks for your interest! LouiseBLOOM - Parenting Kids With Disabilitieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06901482901008135659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-11900403800211156432012-02-24T22:58:41.622-05:002012-02-24T22:58:41.622-05:00Louise,
Please ask Professor Sophia Wong, "W...Louise,<br /><br />Please ask Professor Sophia Wong, "What does she hope to gain by writing this piece?"<br /><br />Afterwards, we can begin the debate.<br /><br />Matt KamaratakisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com