Oh Brother! - A book about Life with an Autistic Sibling

Oh Brother! A Graphic Memoir by Georgina Chadderton, is a warm, humorous, touching account of what life was like for a young teen growing up with an autistic brother. There are so many things we take for granted and this work gently points out the joys and the challenges of life with a special needs child.

We learn for example, that this family has to put locks on ALL cabinets, doors, windows, closets, etc. as (nonverbal) Rob has a penchant for taking everything and anything out of those places as he explores textures and sensory data and then leaves food in all sorts of nooks and places (like eggs in the cutlery drawer). And in an embarrassing scene with a new friend from school, Gina must explain why Rob is naked (he often doesn't like how the clothing feels on his skin).

This story opens as Gina is about to start a new high school. The first few days are rough, but then she finally meets a girl, Callie, who isn't turned off by the fact that Gina dresses in boys clothing or that she doesn't shave her legs. As Gina befriends Callie we learn how challenging it's been for Gina and her family in a warm, loving and accepting way. At one point, Gina's Mom explains that she knows how frustrating it is for Gina, "but imagine how frustrated you'd be if you couldn't explain your feeligs to others. He's not malicious, he just doesn't communicate the way we do."

The story is told in bright colors and light humor. This book is a good bookclub, or classroom selection. The story is told in a melange of panels, full page illustrations, and inserts and it is a relatively quick and easy read. There is a wonderful page about what baking means to Rob. It pretty much involves taking basic ingredients and place them in available cabinets, drawers or underwear and then sitting and eating the uncooked 'batter'.

On one play date at Gina's house, Rob gets very upset and bites Callie. Gina explains how she can usually take cues from Rob's aura and knows when to stay away. She explains how whe can interpret the nonverbal signs Rob gives off and the changes in his moods. When he blows up, Gina explains how its best that one of her parents handles Rob and Gina just tries to stay out of the way.

While Gina and her family really seem to have things organized to help deal with Rob's challenges, we learn that Gina is terribly insecure. She is continuously concerned that Callie will lose patience with her and not be her friend. After a school project gone wrong, Gina learns that Callie, the third of three girls has her own sibling issues. This new perspective helps Gina and Callie grow.z