Different Dads: Fathers' Stories of Parenting Disabled Children

By: Jill Harrison and Rob Leonard and Matthew Henderson

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Synopsis: Fathers of disabled children can feel overlooked when the focus of much parenting support is aimed at mothers. Different Dads is a collection of inspiring personal testimonies written by fathers of children with a disability who reflect on their own experiences and offer advice to other fathers and families on the challenges of raising a child with a disability. The fathers featured represent a broad spectrum of experience. Their contributions reflect a wide range of cultures; some are single fathers, others are married adoptive fathers. What they all have in common are the challenges that face them and their families in raising a child with a disability. Issues explored include the reactions of family, friends and colleagues, how to deal with the organisations and professionals that support families with a disabled child, and the difficulty of being open about feelings in a culture that doesn't always expect men to have a sensitive or nurturing role. Offering direct and thoughtful perspectives on being a father of a child with a disability, this book will be a valuable source of support and information for families with disabled children, and also for health and social care professionals who work with these families.