Waiting for Benjamin

Waiting for Benjamin was written by Alexandra Jessup Altman and illustrated by Susan Keeter. It was published in 2008. 
Alexandra Jessup Altman is a Senior Interventionist in a Autism Spectrum Program, run by the HowardCentre for Human Services in Vermont. 
Alexandra found after years of working with children with autism and their families, that the other children often feel like they have to compete for time and attention from their parents. Many children may have angry or negative thoughts against their siblings with autism due to the amount of attention the autistic sibling is receiving compared to them.
She wrote this book in hope that parents can have the opportunity to help their other children to cope with having a sibling with autism. 

The book describes some of the challenges that both parents and siblings will face in everyday life. 

Waiting for Benjamin tells the story of Alexander and his brother Benjamin. Ever since Benjamin's second birthday, they have been waiting for him to speak however he didn't say any words, only noises. Alexander has tried playing with Benjamin but all Benjamin does is sit there and not look at anything. Most of the time Benjamin just rocks on a wobbly stool and wiggles his fingers. Then one day, his parents take Benjamin to the doctors and he is diagnosed with autism. They explain to Alexander that 'part of his brain is different and that makes it hard for Benjamin to listen and to look at us.' 

Alexander is especially jealous when two teachers come each day to work with Benjamin and for little things, Benjamin gets rewards, whereas Alexander can do bigger and better things and he doesn't receive a reward. After Alexander finally acts out his rage by spilling water onto Benjamin’s bed, his father comes up with the idea of taking Alexander camping—just the two of them. Eventually, Alexander feels wanted again, and learns to appreciate Benjamin for the brother he is. He is wonders what his brother is seeing and thinking, however he now considers him a friend. 

This book is a great reading material to read to all students, not just those who have autistic siblings. It will hopefully make students more aware and understanding if they do happen to be in the same class as a student with autism or see a student in the yard. It could very well prevent any bullying against students with disabilities.