A practical, hopeful guide for fathers navigating diagnosis, advocacy, resilience, and the everyday wins that matter most. This book is written for dads looking for straightforward direction, real encouragement, and tools they can use immediately—at home, at school meetings, and in life.
About the Book
Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide for 21st Century Dads is a father-to-father roadmap for navigating the journey with clarity and courage. You’ll find practical guidance on advocacy, family life, emotional resilience, and long-term planning—written with empathy, honesty, and a steady belief in your child’s potential.
Each chapter covers an important topic, includes an original poem as well as excerpts from a handful of SFN Dad To Dad Podcast guests, and on a more light-hearted note, a Dad Joke.
The book also includes a comprehensive curriculum for the reader or those using the book for small group discussion.
What you’ll take away:
- Clear, actionable guidance you can use right away
- Confidence navigating schools, services, and support systems
- Tools for reducing overwhelm and strengthening your family culture
- Encouragement that’s real—hopeful without pretending it’s easy
All proceeds go to support the 21st Century Dads Foundation and Special Fathers Network, a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs.
About the Author: David Hirsch
David Hirsch is the father of five, a seasoned financial advisor, and one of the leading country’s most outspoken advocates for children and fathers; founder of two fatherhood non-profits, author, TEDx Speaker, and host of the Special Fathers Network Dad To Dad Podcast, now with more than 400 episodes.
Through years of father-to-father conversations, interviews, and community-building, David has gathered hard-won wisdom from dads, advocates, and leaders across the disability community. His focus is practical: helping fathers show up well for their children, protect their marriages and families, and build a meaningful future rooted in dignity, belonging, and independence.
Foreword By: John F. Crowley
John F. Crowley is a father, president & CEO of Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) as well as former long-time CEO of Amicus Therapeutics. John is also an author and speaker. Perhaps most importantly, he found a cure for Pompe Disease that saved the lives of two of his children and untold others.
John’s message speaks to what families need most: time, quality of life, and the courage to keep going—together. His work has centered on accelerating innovation and solutions for patients, and his perspective reinforces the heart of this book: practical action powered by love.
Testimonials
FAQ
This book is written primarily for fathers raising children with special needs and disabilities—but it is equally valuable for mothers, grandparents, caregivers, educators, and professionals supporting these families.
Unlike clinical or academic guides, this book is written by a father, for fathers—grounded in real-life experience, emotional honesty, and practical wisdom gathered from over 400 conversations on the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.
The book spans a wide range of conditions including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and rare diseases—while focusing on the fatherhood journey rather than any single diagnosis.
No. It’s designed for fathers at every stage—from diagnosis through adulthood—with a strong emphasis on raising independent children.
Focus on your child’s abilities, not just their disabilities—and recognize the powerful, irreplaceable role you play as a father.
You’ll gain practical strategies and insights to help you:
- Be more present and engaged
- Navigate challenges with confidence
- Build resilience—for you and your child
- Foster independence and long-term success
Both. Each chapter includes READ, REFLECT, and RESOLVE prompts—turning inspiration into action.
Yes. It explores the full range of emotions—fear, frustration, pride, hope, and resilience—with honesty and compassion.
Yes. The book draws from hundreds of real-life experiences shared by fathers across the Special Fathers Network.
If you are open to reflection and growth, this book offers a clear path to becoming a more engaged, resilient, and impactful dad.
You can join by visiting the home page. Opportunities include:
- One-to-one dad mentoring
- Weekly mastermind groups
- Podcast engagement
- Local and virtual events
Absolutely. It serves as both a guide and a gateway to a broader, supportive community of dads.
Yes. It’s ideal for:
- Dad-to-dad groups
- Faith-based men’s groups
- Nonprofit programs
- Educational workshops
Absolutely. This book makes a meaningful and impactful gift—especially for fathers who may need encouragement, support, or simply the reminder that they are not alone.
Available in:
- Paperback
- eBook (Kindle)
- Audiobook (Audible)
Order now through Amazon and select retailers.
Yes. Perfect for busy dads—listen anytime, anywhere. The bonus is you get to hear the voices of more than 100 dads offering their insights and lessons learned.
You can read it cover-to-cover or one chapter at a time. Many readers prefer a slower pace to fully engage with the reflection prompts.
Yes. The book includes a companion curriculum and series of appendices for deeper engagement in groups or workshops.
Yes. Bulk discounts are available for nonprofits, schools, corporations, and community organizations.
Send an email to: books@21stCenturyDads.org
Definitely. It’s a valuable resource for supporting employees who are parents or caregivers of children with special needs.
Yes. The launch includes speaking engagements, workshops, and the Special Fathers Network U.S. Tour—offering both in-person and virtual connection opportunities.
Send an email to: books@21stCenturyDads.org to inquire about scheduling an event.