PAP 072:

Understanding the Siblings’ Experience

with Jessica Leving

When you have a child with ADHD, almost all of your attention and energy naturally goes to that child — they’re more intense and they’re struggling. And yet, that child’s siblings are likely struggling too. The experience of being the sibling to a child with ADHD, autism, or other special needs is hard, at the very minimum, but traumatic to many. On this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I’m talking with Jessica Leving,  author of the children’s book, Special Siblings: Growing up with a sibling who has special needs, a book inspired by her own experience with a brother with autism. Listen in and learn what your other children might be going through and hiding from you, and how you can make sure the siblings in your family feel as loved and as important.

“The time away allows them to be the center of attention, but it also allows them to just be a kid. They’re often the helper with their sibling, but they also really need time to be a kid.” — Jessica Leving

Resources in this Episode

NOTE: Some of the resources below may be affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission (at no cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

My Guest

JESSICA LEVING

Jessica Leving is the author of Special Siblings: Growing up with a sibling who has special needs, a picture book aimed at helping kids ages 3-8 understand the emotions they might grapple with having a brother or sister with a disability. Jessica based the book on her experiences growing up with her brother, Billy, who has autism.

Book: Special Siblings on Amazon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Special-Siblings-Growing-up-with-a-sibling-who-has-special-needs-110922383616421/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialsiblingsbook/

Thanks for joining me!

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