Does a glass child have the space to express her experience growing up alongside her older brother with autism spectrum disorder? The colloquial term of “glass children” identifies the siblings of children who have disabilities or chronic illness. These children often are considered “stable” and are overlooked by their parents or guardians to focus on the child with special needs. This was Morenike’s case.
Morenike was an onlooker watching her parents try to navigate life solely focused on her brother, Olu. As the youngest child of her African immigrant parents, she witnessed harsh comments, ignorance, and overall disrespect of Olu–sometimes within the comfort of their own home by family and friends. From childhood to adulthood, Morenike internally battles naysayers, isolation, tough internal questions, her faith, and her brother being by her side.
You’re My Half illuminates the topic of the “forgotten” that is rarely discussed within the disability community. This short, forthright memoir is not only aimed towards people similar to Morenike, but to parents, teachers, teens, and anyone who is willing to understand.
Available to read on Amazon Kindle!