Blog #147~A Father’s Perspective on Special Needs
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19th! As I did for Mother’s Day (Blog #144), this week features books written by fathers who have children with special needs. My son Nick is 22 years old, he has Down syndrome and autism. I am always searching for new information and gaining different perspectives. If you are looking for a male/father perspective check out the book list below. In addition, here are two dads that I recommend following on Facebook. Their websites are also included:
“Noah’s Dad” (Noah is 5 years old and has Down syndrome) http://www.noahsdad.com
“Autism Daddy” (Kyle aka “The King” is 12 years old and has severe autism and is nonverbal). http://www.theautismdaddy.com.
Books written by fathers who have children with special needs:
Austin, Paul: Beautiful Eyes: A Father Transformed (W.W. Norton, 2014). A father reflects on his journey with his daughter with Down syndrome, beginning with her birth and ending with her life as a young adult living in a group home.
Daugerty, Paul: An Uncomplicated Life: A Father’s Memoir of His Exceptional Daughter (Harper Collins, 2015). A father celebrates his daughter’s accomplishments, from childhood through college and impending marriage, and the joy she has brought to her family and those around her.
Estreich, George: The Shape of the Eye: Down Syndrome, Family and the Stories We Inherit (Southern Methodist University Press, 2011). A poet reflects on the many influences of family after the birth of his daughter with Down syndrome.
Palmer, Greg: Adventures in the Mainstream: Coming of Age with Down Syndrome 2nd Edition (Bennett and Hastings Publishing, 2012). Palmer’s memoir about his son’s transition from high school to the world of work, now updated with reflections on their family’s experiences since the original edition was first released.
Sagmiller, G.: Dakota’s Pride the Book: One Father’s Search for the Truth about Down Syndrome (The Gifted Learning Project, 2014). The book version of the documentary featuring questions and answers with professionals and parents of children with Down syndrome.
Taddei, S.R.: Room 47: Down Syndrome-A New Father’s Diary (Viera Press, 2012). A father publishes reflections about his daughter with Down syndrome drawn from the journals he kept during her first year.
Thank you National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) http://www.nads.org for the book list!
I hope these resources provide insight and inspiration from a father’s perspective. Cheers to you, Dads! That’s what is in my noggin this week!
~Teresa
Nick and his Dad at Hawk’s Cay Resort….
Follow Nick:
@Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism
@Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism
#nickdsautism
Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism 