The Glass Child
The Glass Child dives into the often overlooked perspectives of those who grew up with a brother or sister with a disability. They're called glass children, not because they're fragile, but because people often look through them. For many, it was a childhood filled with complicated feelings of guilt, anger, neglect and social isolation as their family navigated extraordinary circumstances.
On this podcast, we will give voice to these seldom-heard narratives. We'll talk openly and honestly about the siblings’ personal struggles to find their own identity. Most of these stories will be heavy, and some difficult to hear. But all will be treated with the utmost empathy, care and respect.
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Rachel
2015
“Will you be in my documentary?” I asked a Glass Child. I had interviewed 20+siblings for a documentary about growing up with a disabled sibling, and no one had said yes to that question.
“When my mom dies I will.” She answered.
2024
“Will you be on my podcast?” I asked Susana, a Glass Child, former creative colleague, and seasoned podcaster.
“Sure. Send me the questions.”
Two days later…
“That’s a hard no.” She replied.
I could have taken all those no’s personally, but what I knew from interviewing almost thirty Glass Children over ten years - and raising one myself - is that convincing them to talk deeply and candidly about their childhoods is a very difficult feat. And to ask them to speak publicly? An almost impossible one.
Almost.
Susana
"You know you're not studied, right?" is what Rachel said to me one day.
"Why would I be studied?" I asked her.
"Because of how you grew up." she replied.
I was dumbfounded.
"There is barely any research on how to help the non disabled sibling," She continued.
I grew up with 3 siblings with challenges. That's my preferred word. "challenges". It may not be correct. Intellectual disability may actually be the current correct term. ANYWAY- I worked with Rachel on a film and in between takes, we shared our family stories.
"Why would I need help? I am fine." I replied. Like any typical Glass Child.
Episodes
Oct 21, 2025
Oct 21, 2025
55 min
Caregiving: the activity or profession of regularly looking after a child or a sick, elderly, or disabled person. That's a fairly straightforward definition. But what happens in families where regularly looking after a child falls on another child? When the care needs of one or more siblings overwhelm the adults in the family? Today we are talking to Terrence Ho. Terrence's brother had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive, inherited genetic disorder that eventually leads to complete loss of mobility and a very shortened life span. Terrence discusses his lifetime role as caregiver and how it impacted his career choices; how he and his mom were able to connect towards the end of her life; and the legacy project he started to honor his brother's, mom's, and his own life. He also offers -gentle- advice to parents.
Find out more about the incredible Terrence Ho here: www.terrenceho.com
And for more information about Glass Children visit www.theglasschild.com
Oct 21, 2025
Oct 21, 2025
51 min
Why do our siblings matter so much to us—for better or worse? What makes these relationships so special? How do they shift as we grow up, and how do things like personality, care needs, and family dynamics shape them? Our guest today, Dr. Avidan Milevsky, breaks down how siblings influence each other—both directly, through day-to-day interactions and role modeling, and indirectly, by changing the whole family dynamic. Dr. Milevsky also talks about how parents can support the Glass Child when someone in the family is disabled or has complex care needs.
www.theglasschild.com
For more about Dr Milevsky's work: www.avidanmilevsky.com
What is the point of talking about something that just causes pain?
Because we have to. Talking about it is how we move through it. Staying silent leads to isolation and loneliness—but when we share, we connect. We find understanding. We find community.
No two journeys are the same, and your story is as unique—and as important—as anyone else’s.
We hear you. We got you. Welcome. We’re so glad you’re here.