Mikey and Me: Life with My Exceptional Sister

Description

* The estimate of the incidence of autism in the U.S is 3.5 million (1 in 68) (Autism Speaks). * Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability (119% increase since 2000). * There are millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns (Sibling Support Project). * Sibling Support Project hosts online groups (e.g., FB) for siblings and has presented workshops internationally and in every state. This indicates a need for and growing awareness the need for sibling support resources. * One study revealed that compared with siblings residing only with other typically developing siblings, those in households with a child with disability were more likely to experience significant functional impairment. (Assessing Functional Impairment in Siblings Living With Children With Disability Anthony Goudie, Susan Havercamp, Barry Jamieson, Timothy Sahr (2013))

Teresa Sullivan is a registered nurse with a master's degree in business administration. She has worked as a clinician, educator, and director of treatment programs specializing in addiction and mental health. She lives in Santa Monica, California with her adopted dogs, Danny, Maya, and Kate.

2018 IBPA Ben Franklin Awards Finalist in Autobiography & Memoir "Sullivan's candid, moving memoir of how her life has been shaped by her sister is emotional, easily readable, and instantly relatable. This is a must-read for anyone who cares for a person with autism or other developmental disability, as well as a wonderful tale of resiliency and tenacity that will touch the hearts of a broad swath of readers." -Booklist, starred review "The memoir is often heartbreaking, but Sullivan's depictions of a complicated and loving family and the unique issues faced by siblings of the severely disabled provide a sense of hope and closure." -Kirkus "Teresa Sullivan has written a moving and important account of life with an autistic sibling. She reminds those of us who live every day with the challenge of supporting and assisting a profoundly autistic adult that we are not alone." -Karl Taro Greenfield, author of Boy Alone "In Mikey and Me, Teresa Sullivan offers the perspective only a family member can give about living with and loving a disabled sibling. The story Teresa has to tell offers hope, compassion, and insights about the complicated issues involved in caring for a child who has a profound disability. This is an important book for all families, especially those with special children, where everyone has to find a way to cope and thrive. " -Linda Joy Myers, President of the National Association of Memoir Writers, author of Song of the Plains, Don't Call Me Mother, and Power of Memoir "[Mikey & Me is a touching and emotionally gripping story about the author's relationship with her disabled sister and how their bond survives through thick and thin in the most beautifully touching ways imaginable." -Brit + Co "I don't think a book like this could truly have a happy ending, but Sullivan gives a voice to her sister who never had one. I think this is a lovely tribute from one sister to another. And the fact that Sullivan addresses the challenges of being the typical sister, gets lost then finds her way back to peace, sure made this a worthwhile read for me." -Linda Atwell, author of Loving Lindsey