Resources for Parents

Welcome Parents

You arrived here because you’re looking for support from someone who truly understands the unique challenges you face as a parent of a glass child and a child with high needs. I want to assure you that you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve witnessed the immense pressure and emotional toll it can take. You’re constantly advocating for your high-needs child, navigating medical appointments, therapies, and a myriad of other demands. Often leaving you feeling exhausted, misunderstood, and even isolated.

I designed this page to provide resources, support, and practical strategies that can help you navigate this journey with more ease and confidence.I understand your deep desire to protect your children from harm, and the immense love you have for them and their well-being.

My approach is non-shaming and rooted in empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to empower you. I believe that by working together, we can create a support system that helps you navigate this challenging landscape with greater strength and resilience.

Check Back here often and be sure to subscribe to receive updates as I continue to add resources.

What Schools Need to Know

Keynote Speaker Alicia Meneses Maples shares her story, her wisdom and advice for families and teachers in the West Contra Costa School District. Alicia advocates for glass children and facilitates conferences for families and organizations who assist high-needs families.

What Parents Need to Know

Alicia Maples and Sharon Neumann (adult FOP sibling and advanced grief recovery specialist) explore what adult glass children wish their parents knew about navigating life with a child that has complex needs and a typically-developing sibling.

What it’s like to be a ‘glass child’

Alicia Meneses Maples refers to herself as an adult “glass child,” the sibling of a person with a mental or physical disability. She didn’t coin the phrase, but a TEDx talk she gave in 2011 helped to define it, and the term has circulated on social media ever since. READ THE ARTICLE

What is a Glass Child?

Alicia Meneses Maples and other experts share what it means to be a glass child, plus how caregivers can better understand their unique needs. Because of the severity of mental health struggles that glass children can endure, Maples is a strong advocate for siblings like herself to have access to professional support and intervention. READ THE ARTICLE

Alicia’s TEDx Talk on Recognizing Glass Children

Having lost one brother to the world of autism and another to a terminal illness, Alicia Maples never knew a normal childhood. Expected to always put on a brave face, Alicia played the role of good girl on the outside. One the inside, however, she was dying. In this heart-wrenching talk, Alicia tells parents of children with special needs — and their surrounding community — to stop looking through the siblings of children with special needs. WATCH THE TALK

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Guidance for Parents of Glass Children

Hello Parent! I’m thrilled that you are here and interested in learning more about your glass children.

This free PDF contains three sets of “dos and don’ts” to guide you in relating to your Glass Child.

Your FREE PDF download link will be delivered to your email.

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Answers and Resources for Parents of Glass Children

I’m deeply grateful that you are interested in learning more about your glass child.

This free PDF contains a Q&A about Glass Children and Resources for you.

Your FREE PDF download link will be delivered to your email.