At Home in the Land of Oz:

Autism, My Sister, and Me.

Anne Barnhill, a LOCAL AUTHOR , has written this endearing memoir about her experience growing up in the 1950s and 60s with a disabled sibling. Her sister Becky was not formally diagnosed with autism until the age of 37, but rather spent most of her life labeled "emotionally disturbed." Anne's parents struggled to find a proper educational and residential setting for Becky at a time in history when institutionalization was the norm. Her parents' relentless searching and determination to find services for Becky never end even through mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. Anne also candidly talks about the full range of emotions she felt for her sister growing up and the ever increasing responsibility she now has as her parents grow older.

I fell in love with Anne's writing and her family when I reviewed this book in June, but recently I was reminded of it again when I saw a segment on CNN about Jeff Daly and his struggle to find his sister Molly who was institutionalized in 1957 at the age of 3. His heartbreaking story turns around when he not only reunites with his sister after almost 50 years, but also since he has now vowed to help other siblings and family members find their lost loved ones as well. Heed my warning: if you watch the CNN video clip of his family's story above- get Kleenex! Visit theARClink.org or the National FindFamily Registry For People with Disabilities for more information about this resource.

I was struck by the similarities in the two families. Each struggled with the same decisions for their loved ones but because of various resources, guidance from "experts", and the restraints of societal norms each family took different paths that resulted in positive and negative consequences.

Anne's history will ring true for many other siblings who endured the same past and gives hope to those of us who can see how her family and the Daly family have helped change the course that families now take when faced with providing what is best for their loved-one with a disability. I highly recommend this special sister's memoir.