Family Therapy

Supporting Siblings of Special Needs Children: Understanding Glass Child Syndrome

A "glass child" is not a medical diagnosis but a term used to describe children who grow up with a sibling who has chronic illnesses or disabilities. These children often feel "invisible," as their needs may seem less urgent compared to their sibling's complex needs. At the same time, they may try to make themselves invisible, hoping to reduce the stress their parents are already facing. The term emphasizes the transparency of their struggles—clear to those who look closely but often overlooked by the busy dynamics of their family system.