by Allyson O'Bryant, Student Public Relations Writer
The reports 2.8 million children in the United States have special needs. On average, one sibling in each of these families experiences Glass Child Syndrome.
Though not an officially recognized psychological term, Glass Child Syndrome refers to the emotional struggles faced by siblings of children with special needs. These children — called “glass children” — feel invisible, overshadowed due to the increased attention given to their siblings. This often leads to emotional and psychological challenges.
, a 2025 Cedarville University graduate with a degree in marketing, has experienced this firsthand. Her sister Kara was born with Cerebral Palsy, and from a young age, Robinson was immersed in the medical world and longed for a more typical childhood.
After noticing how different her life was from those of her friends, Robinson began struggling with the effects of Glass Child Syndrome. She pushed herself to be perfect in the hopes of easing her parents' burdens, which led to battles with perfectionism, mental health struggles and depression. It wasn’t until her sophomore year that she discovered an article about Glass Child Syndrome.
“I was amazed. This was describing me,” said Robinson.
While at Cedarville, God helped Robinson begin to heal. She learned to balance college life with the challenges at home while also letting others into her struggles.
“During my freshman year, I learned one of my dorm friends had two siblings with severe disabilities. We bonded over our similar situations and challenges,” said Robinson. “I realized I wasn’t alone in my struggles and that I could ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep,’ as it says in Romans 12:15. I was finally able to invite others into my life to not just rejoice with me but also to weep.”
Encouraged by her friends, Robinson began writing and illustrating a children’s book about her journey as a glass child. The result: “Penelope Panda’s Peculiar Family.”
The book takes readers on a magical journey through Penelope’s eyes. In her world, oxygen tanks become dragons and doctor’s visits turn into underwater adventures. Yet beneath the whimsy, Penelope simply wants her family to be okay and learns that it’s okay to be different.
“I felt very alone as a kid,” said Robinson. “I started realizing I am different. I think differently. I live differently. But in reality, everyone is uniquely made in the image of God with personality and unique stories. You just can’t see it because it’s from man’s perspective and not from God’s perspective.”
Robinson hopes to have “Penelope Panda’s Peculiar Family” translated into Japanese to aid in missions work. The book is available on and at
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu. &Բ;