The unseen project focuses on those who are often neglected. Those for whom there is no strength, time or attention left. The other ones. The glass children.
THE GLASS CHILD
A Glass Child is a term used to describe a child who grows up with a sibling who has a disability, chronic illness or special needs.
They are called glass not because they are fragile — but because people often look through them, as if they’re invisible.
They often carry responsibility, suppress emotion, and learn to need less.
This space exists to make them visible.
"Nobody really asked me anything. Like when my mum actually died, everyone just kept asking me how my sister was coping, [...] but nobody actually asked me how I was."
WHAT THE NUMBERS SAY*
There are over 840 000 Glass Children in Czech Republic alone, which is almost every 12th person.
They are 3 × more likely to experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health struggles.
50 % report feeling lonely or meaningless.
50 % admit feeling jealousy toward their sibling — and guilt because of it.
60 % feel excessive pressure and stress from early age.
60 % say their sibling is always the center of attention at home.
More than half of them grow up to be hyper-independent — not because they want to, but because they had to.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Nautis z. ú.
The National Autism Institute offers therapy and support groups for siblings of people on the autism spectrum.
Srdcem Robinson
This institute offers therapy sessions and support programs specifically tailored for glass children. Also helps to spread awareness about Glass Children.
I want to support Glass Children
Support Glass Children and give them a chance to be seen and heard. Every contribution helps create a space where they can be themselves.
A campaign by Klára Skala Havlová.
* TURNEROVÁ E. Research for siblings of people with disabilities. FF UK, Nautis z. ú. 2024.
© 2025