When a teenager struggles with OCD, what happens to the brother or sister trying to hold everything together? In this episode Zack speaks with Austin Kang, a high school senior whose experience growing up alongside an older brother with severe OCD inspired him to create a guide and support community for siblings. Austin shares how he became the “easy child,” keeping his own struggles quiet to avoid adding stress at home. Together, they explore the “glass child” experience—when a sibling’s needs go unseen—and why parents need to look beyond the child who appears to be doing fine.
For parents and siblings of teens with OCD, this conversation explores how to stay connected while making room for everyone’s needs. Austin and Zack discuss family accommodation, how well-intentioned responses can reinforce OCD patterns, and why being a supportive sibling does not mean becoming a therapist or giving up friendships, activities, and personal goals. Austin also introduces his free sibling guide and Behind the Scenes support group, offering families a hopeful message: siblings deserve support, space to share their experiences, and a relationship with their brother or sister that reaches beyond OCD.
