Many parents find it challenging to balance the care and attention they give to each child, but this can be especially difficult when one child has a disability and another does not. Caring for a child with a disability can be so all-consuming that parents often worry their other children are falling by the wayside. Our team has compiled resources for siblings of disabled children 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.
Tips for supporting siblings of disabled children
1. Schedule one-on-one time with each child
Dedicate time for each child. You will both remember these special moments with just the two of you.
2. Build a community for siblings
Creating a community for your other children of friends their own age who understand their situation because they are also experiencing something similar. Refer to section below with links to support groups and other resources for siblings.
3. 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.
Blog posts, articles and resources for parents
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 wellbeing 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
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, they provide an abundance of useful information on their website — aimed at both young siblings and adults.
Please note that this is by no means a complete list of support groups! There are many other groups 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 are happy to talk to you free of any obligation or charge. In fact, our clients pay nothing throughout the entire legal process until we win.
