Sister on the Edge of Autism

A sibling's-eye view of autism in life, family, and culture.

Eileen Garvin

Reading Shtum by Jem Lester

Shtum keeps unfolding and unfolding like a set of matryoshka dolls and each painful revelation endears the characters to us more.

Like Christmas on the Fourth of July

I think of our parents and our older sister, Margaret, who has not missed a single Christmas Mass at Sacred Heart Church since any of us were old enough to remember.

John Elder Robison’s “Switched On”

This latest book recounts Robison's participation in an early transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study that hoped would help people with ASD better read emotions in others.

Sibling Leadership Network hosts 10th annual conference

Two-day event brings together siblings of people with disabilities to learn about new services and support, research initiatives and advocacy efforts.

Home Is Where the House Is

My parents bought this house for Margaret, but we have always understood this house is for us too. The house means we don’t need to plan on Margaret moving in with one of us.

My Sister’s Happy Birthday

I sent Margaret a spa gift basket for her birthday. But even as I entered my credit card number and hit submit, I was full of doubt. Will she even know it came from me? I doubt it.

The Kids Are Alright

I thought Margaret was angry, but I know now that she was anxious and afraid. And as an adult, I regret that I didn’t see the difference. It might have helped us both.

The conference is intended for siblings of people with disabilities, people with disabilities, parents and family members. Professionals and sibling supporters are also welcome. Conference sessions will cover research on siblings with disabilities, sibling stories, resources and support, and civil rights issues.