It isn't easy being eight years old and having an older brother whom other children often misunderstand. They don't realize that when he doesn't laugh at their jokes it's because he doesn't understand them. They don't know that when he doesn't speak to them or look at them it's because he doesn't know what to say or how to make eye contact. They don't realize that he behaves this way because he has something called Asperger's Syndrome.

Sam knows that his brother Eric is different from him because his brain works differently. So, when the other children bully Eric, it makes Sam feel protective of him. But sometimes, when Eric behaves oddly, Sam feels embarrassed too. Sometimes, when Eric gets lots of attention, it makes Sam feel resentful - then, when he considers that Eric needs a lot of help and attention, it makes Sam feel guilty for feeling resentful. There are so many different feelings Sam experiences!

Brotherly Feelings explores the emotions that siblings of children with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) commonly experience. With illustrations throughout, this book will help siblings to understand that their emotional responses - whatever they are - are natural and OK. It is the ideal book for parents and professionals to use with siblings to discuss their emotional experiences, and will also help children with AS to form an understanding of the feelings of other family members.

Auteur

Sam Frender is eight years old. He is in second grade. He lives in North Carolina with his parents, his older brother, Eric, who has Asperger's Syndrome, and his two cats. His hobbies are listening to music, telling jokes, playing with Lego, and reading. He is very interested in math, science, and art. When he grows up, he would like a career that will enable him to help people. Robin Schiffmiller is Eric and Sam's mother. She founded a Sibling Support Group for children with siblings on the Autism Spectrum, and is the Director of Sibling Support for a local chapter of the Autism Society of North Carolina.