When a child is born with a disability due to a medical mistake, family members work tirelessly to ensure that child’s care is managed. Therapies, treatments, and around-the-clock support can become a necessity. Often, the needs of the child with the birth injury are extensive—and quite understandably demand significant time and energy from parents.
Yet, there is another dynamic that emerges in these families: the effect on the child’s siblings. Parents who already feel pressure to support a child with disabilities might also struggle to make sure their other children never feel unseen or overshadowed. Siblings of children with disabilities may quietly be grappling with feelings of guilt, fear, worry, or even resentment, all while wanting to help their family.
When preventable medical negligence leads to a birth injury, what should be a time of joy can be overshadowed by heartbreak and uncertainty. If a birth injury causes long-term disabilities, this stress can ripple through the entire household, changing relationships and daily routines in ways that are painful, complicated, and, at times, overwhelming.
ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers was founded to help families facing the heartbreak of birth injuries. Our team of birth injury attorneys has extensive experience handling birth injury claims nationwide. Our legal team understands the challenges families face during this stressful time.
We have compiled resources for siblings of children with disabilities that we hope will benefit them and help strengthen your family dynamic.
What is a glass child?
The term “glass child” refers to the sibling(s) of a disabled child. With a child who has a lot of needs and requires additional care due to their disability, their siblings can be left feeling invisible. It may not appear that they are struggling because glass children are adept at hiding their emotions. They often do this to avoid putting any additional stress on their parents – who they can see are already overwhelmed with their sibling’s needs.
The “glass child” phenomenon can create long-term emotional effects, including feelings of guilt, worry about the future, and a deep-seated belief that their needs are less important than those of others. Recognizing this concept can be the first step toward ensuring all children feel seen, heard, and valued.
Birth Injuries and Sibling Relationships
Sibling relationships are unique. They can involve admiration, rivalry, shared jokes, and a sense of companionship unlike any other bond. When one child is living with long-term disabilities caused by a birth injury, everyday life shifts in ways that might be difficult for siblings to navigate.
School events, extracurricular activities, and even family gatherings may sometimes revolve around the child with special needs. Medical appointments, therapy sessions, and the demands of specialized care can limit the time parents have to devote to their other children.
Over time, siblings of a child with a disability may develop a range of emotions and coping strategies—some of which are healthy and others that might lead to stress or feelings of isolation. Families can benefit from acknowledging these challenges early on. By doing so, parents can take proactive steps to help siblings find healthier ways of processing the family’s circumstances, strengthening the parent-child bond across all children in the household.
Tips for supporting siblings of disabled children
1. Schedule one-on-one time with each child
Carving out dedicated one-on-one time with each child helps them feel recognized and valued. Consistency in these activities—whether it’s a short walk, a quick meal together, or an hour of playing a board game—makes a significant difference. This intentional time can create lasting memories and encourage open dialogue without interruption.
Children often open up more easily when they have their parent’s undivided attention, allowing them to share thoughts or concerns they might otherwise keep hidden.
2. Encourage Open Communication
Regular family meetings or check-ins create a safe space for siblings to talk about how they’re feeling. Parents can gently prompt these conversations by asking how each child’s day went, what challenges they’re facing, or what activities they’re looking forward to. Siblings who might be too shy or concerned about burdening their parents learn that their feelings are valid and worthy of attention.
3. Build a community for siblings
Create a community for your other children of friends their own age who understand their situation because they are also experiencing something similar. Finding a network of understanding friends can help alleviate isolation, boost mental health, and normalize their experiences. We’ve provided some links at the end of this post with links to support groups and other resources for siblings.
4. Seek out family support
A family therapist can help you navigate the complex interpersonal relationships that can develop while living with a disabled child/sibling. The emotional journey for siblings can be complex. Family therapists, counselors, or psychologists can guide parents and siblings through these challenging dynamics. By talking to a trained professional, siblings can learn healthy coping strategies for stress, anger, or anxiety. This support also fosters stronger family communication patterns.
5. Validate Their Emotions
Children benefit from knowing that their feelings—whatever they may be—are real and understood. Statements like, “I can see how that would make you angry,” or, “You have every right to feel sad sometimes,” demonstrate empathy. This type of validation can be transformative. Validating emotions paves the way for problem-solving discussions rather than immediate dismissals or lectures.
6. Teach Empathy and Understanding
Encouraging siblings to learn about their brother or sister’s condition can reduce confusion and fear. Sharing age-appropriate books, videos, or materials can help them see why certain treatments, therapies, or extra care measures are necessary. As siblings gain an understanding of their disabled brother or sister’s needs, they’re more likely to respond with empathy and patience.
7. Give Siblings a Sense of Agency
Siblings often appreciate having roles within the family that help them feel involved but not overburdened. Simple tasks like reading to their sibling, assisting with playtime, or helping with small parts of the daily routine can foster unity. Children who have an active part in caregiving (within reason) often feel proud of their contributions. This sense of agency can reduce feelings of helplessness or jealousy.
8. Acknowledge Sibling Achievements
When parents are consistently worried about a child who has extensive medical needs, it can be easy to accidentally overlook the accomplishments of their other children. Celebrating these achievements is a way to remind siblings that their growth and milestones matter too. Publicly recognizing each child’s achievements helps them feel valued and motivated.
9. Encourage Respite and Self-Care
Siblings may want time away from caretaking or family stress. Recognizing this need and providing a little space can help them recharge. Personal time helps siblings decompress, allowing them to return home feeling more balanced and ready to engage in family life.
10. Foster Sibling Bonding Activities
When possible, create moments where siblings can have fun and bond without the stress of therapy or medical appointments. These moments can be as simple as movie nights, backyard games, or cooking a meal together. Positive shared experiences can deepen connections and give siblings memories they cherish, even in a family dynamic shaped by disability.
Was your baby diagnosed with a birth injury?
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Blog posts, articles and resources for parents
Expanding your knowledge with firsthand accounts and professional perspectives can spark new ideas for supporting siblings of a child with disabilities. Consider these resources:
Offspring: How to Parent a Typical Child When You Also Have One With a Disability
Jaclyn Youhana Garver reflects on her experiences growing up alongside a younger brother with autism. She discusses some of the ways her parents supported her and nurtured the relationship between her and her brother.
Psychology Today: Siblings of Children with Disabilities
This article emphasizes the need for research on the well-being of children with disabled siblings, as well as what is already known on this matter.
Parent Center Hub: Sibling Issues
This page discusses the effect of age on sibling relationships, how to talk to children about disabilities, and more.
Emotional Problems Facing Siblings of Children with Disabilities
This PsychiatryAdvisor article provides information on the mental health of siblings, with particular emphasis on how they grapple with the knowledge that they may need to be their siblings’ primary caregivers in the future.
12 Ways to Support Siblings of Children with Disabilities
This piece by The Inclusion Lab lists specific things parents can do to involve and support siblings, such as providing age-appropriate information about their sibling’s condition, and setting aside one-on-one time to focus on their needs and interests.
Support groups and resources for siblings
Below are some organizations and online communities that focus on sibling support. These groups connect siblings nationwide, providing a network of empathy, shared experiences, and practical advice.
This organization was founded in 1990, and supports siblings of children with disabilities and complex healthcare needs nationwide. They help people start local sibshops (support groups), host online groups, and present workshops on sibling issues.
This organization is focused on helping people advocate for their siblings with disabilities and promote the issues about which they care most.
A Facebook group for teenagers who have siblings with disabilities. A personal Facebook account is required to join this private group.
A Facebook group for adults who have siblings with disabilities. This is also a private group that requires approval to join.
This UK-based charity focuses specifically on supporting siblings of people with disabilities. In addition to in-person groups, it provides an abundance of useful information on its website, aimed at both young siblings and adults.
Please note that this is by no means a complete list of support groups. Many other groups are focused specifically on supporting siblings of people with disabilities. For more information, check out our disability support group database.
About ABC Law Centers
ABC Law Centers was established to focus exclusively on birth injury cases. A “birth injury” is any type of harm to a baby that occurs just before, during, or after birth. This can include issues such as oxygen deprivation, infection, and trauma. While some children with birth injuries make a complete recovery, others develop conditions that require 24/7 lifetime care.
If you believe you may have a birth injury case for your child, contact us to learn more. We offer a free consultation with no obligation. In fact, our clients pay nothing throughout the entire legal process. There are no legal fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict for you.
How a Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Family
A local birth injury attorney—one who understands the complexities of medical malpractice law—can analyze medical records, consult with expert witnesses, and pursue compensation to address these ongoing expenses. Although no sum of money can undo the impact of a birth injury, a settlement or court award can alleviate financial burdens, improving quality of life for the child with disabilities and their siblings.
Areas where financial recovery may help include:
- Home renovations to accommodate mobility devices
- Ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Medical treatments, surgeries, and specialized equipment
- Respite care and caregiver assistance
- Psychological counseling for siblings and parents
- Educational accommodations and special education resources
By exploring legal options, some families gain the resources they need to devote better attention to all of their children, ensuring siblings do not feel neglected. Having financial support for therapy and daily care can free up time for one-on-one moments with your non-disabled child or children while also guaranteeing quality care for the child with disabilities.
When to Contact ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers
It can feel overwhelming to consider talking to an attorney while you’re juggling medical appointments and therapeutic interventions. Yet, it can be beneficial to reach out sooner rather than later.
Some birth injury cases are subject to statutes of limitations, meaning there may be deadlines for filing a claim. Connecting with a lawyer at ABC Law Centers can allow for a timely investigation into your child’s medical records and a determination of whether negligence is a factor.
Contacting a birth injury attorney is a good idea if:
- Your child experienced complications at or shortly after birth.
- A physician, nurse, or hospital staff failed to adhere to standards of care.
- A specific medical error, such as misuse of vacuum or forceps, contributed to an injury.
- Your child has been diagnosed with a condition like cerebral palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), brachial plexus injury, or other ailments often linked to birth trauma.
- You suspect your medical team did not act promptly during distress, leading to oxygen deprivation, infection, or another preventable issue.
A birth injury claim can be an avenue for financial restitution that covers immediate and future care. It may also secure resources for siblings, ensuring they have access to counseling, educational opportunities, and extracurricular activities that support a healthy balance in family life.
Our team is here for you!
As you move forward, continue exploring options for professional therapy, sibling support groups, and resources that provide respite care. Check in with your children regularly, reminding them that every family member’s experiences and emotions matter. If you suspect malpractice in your child’s birth injury, you have options. An experienced attorney can begin the process of investigating your situation, laying the groundwork for a claim that could secure the resources your family needs.
For more information on legal consultations or to speak with a member of ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers, reach out anytime. The team is available around the clock to answer questions, direct you to helpful resources, and connect you with local counsel ready to advocate for your family.
No family should have to go through this alone. Support exists—from medical professionals who specialize in birth injuries to organizations that foster a community for siblings to compassionate legal professionals who handle malpractice cases. All of these networks can help lighten the load, giving each child in your family a chance to feel genuinely seen, supported, and cherished.
Call us at 248-593-5100 or contact us online to be connected to a birth injury lawyer near you.
