The Book of David - by Michael Gordon (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Caring for a sibling with special needs presents families with a gauntlet of challenges and responsibilities. But while the downsides of sibling caregiving understandably take center stage, few books consider how managing the less-than-perfect among us can also enrich us all-individually, within our families, and across the community at large. This "memoir as self-help" book addresses what goals and principles we should set for ourselves and our special needs siblings. With humor and affection, the author uses his brother's life history to address issues that arise around education, employment, health care, family functioning, and religious observance. Dr. Gordon, a child psychologist, parlays his extensive clinical experience to explore the many trials and triumphs that can arise when one sibling cares for another.

Review Quotes

The Book of David

"Word has spread and Michael Gordon's excellent book on caring for siblings with special needs has now made it across the Atlantic.

Michael Gordon is professor emeritus of psychiatry at Upstate Medical University of Syracuse and a clinical child psychologist, known internationally for his pioneering research on ADHD management.

The Book of David is his latest book in a long line of 12 previous books on all kinds of aspects of neurodiversity as well as disabilities.

However this is by far his most personal book, as he tells us about his life long journey of caring for his younger brother David who has special needs.

What a wonderful, inclusive and inspirational read it is. Written with so much love, insight, humour and respect and with a prose that flows effortlessly and elegantly.

I laughed, welled up, compared notes (my daughter has special needs), noted down useful points and was yet again reminded of the importance of inclusion and everybody's right to a dignified life."

-- Sophie Dow, Founder Salvesen Mindroom Centre, Edinburgh