Don't Rush Me!

For Siblings of Children with SPD

By: Chynna Laird

Narrated by: Barbara Rich

Length: 19 mins

Publisher's summary

A storybook about special needs siblings to engage the whole family!

My daughter, Jordhan, has the unique position of not only being a middle child, but a middle child among siblings with special needs. This story touches on the important contributions Jordhan makes to our family, especially on the days when she doesn’t think so. We need more stories for siblings of special needs children. This is my gift to each of them to show how much we appreciate their very important role in the family.

In the audiobook, I have outlined activities that siblings can do on their own, or with parents and/or siblings. To make the most of the message given in the audiobook, as well as from the activities provided, it is my hope that siblings and family members will:

• Have a tool that will help make siblings of special needs children more visible in the family unit
• Give a voice to siblings that represents how real their feelings and concerns are, even when they aren’t always able verbalize those things
• Help to provide a greater level of understanding by strengthening communication, patience, and respect among family members
• Show that there is so much more than the labels these families are given and offer some insight into how they can learn to advocate for their children
• Remember that each of us brings something beautiful and unique with us into the world that we can learn from, and teach others about. And that’s so powerful.

©2017 Chynna Laird (P)2021 Chynna Laird

Critic reviews

"When you are a sibling of a child with special needs, especially one whose life can be dictated by sensory issues from their environment, you often learn to "live in the moment". In this validating family book, Mia's feelings are explored. Often siblings have to sacrifice or alter their day because of the needs of their brother or sister - whether it be leaving a fun activity to go to therapy or dealing with a meltdown that affects the whole family. (Diane M. Renna, author of Meghan's World)

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Unbiased Review

I feel that this story is very important to families who have children with and without disabilities. It is important for everyone to see the place that they have in the family and how that is important, that they are important. That siblings with disabilities are not trying to be difficult.
The book begins with the story of a girl who moves really slowly while everyone else moves so much faster in her family. What is seen as frustrating at times when they need to get going is actually a strength in the way that she is able to help her siblings who struggle.
After the story the next part is about spending time together as a family and making everyone feel like they get the attention they need.
It finishes up with some questions to get kids thinking about their place in the family. What they are good at.