Brotherly Feelings: Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Asperger's Syndrome

Local authors Robin Schiffmiller and her son Sam Frender wrote this book together to help Sam deal with some of the issues he faces having a brother on the spectrum. He writes about the feelings of being: worried, protective, guilty, hurt, optimistic, loved, etc. He writes about his full range of emotions, including his own struggle with the need to be perfect and always responsible so that he is not a burden to his parents. I think this is what makes the book stand out. Although the range of emotions Sam writes about are brought about by his relationship with his brother, the reader can't help but be aware of Sam's sense of responsibility not only for his brother but for his family as a whole. I am sure this is one reason Robin suggested they write some of these issues down so that Sam and his family could work through them together. Sam's wish is that other children and families will identify with some of his experiences and know that they are not alone.

Robin and Sam live right here in Raleigh, NC! It is great to have a local family letting others know about life with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Robin is also the coordinator for the Wake County Autism Society Sibling Support Group for children ages 9 to 12. The group (now in its second year) has been a wonderful addition to the support groups offered and has filled a need to not only support the parents of individuals with ASD but also the growing number of siblings.

Visit our website to purchase a copy of this book. It is located in our Sibling Issues category.

For a preview of Sam's book, go to NBC17 News and see Sam and his mother Robin interviewed.