Dads Raising Children with Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide for 21st Century Dads

David Hirsch

Mar 2026 · Transformation Media Books

About this ebook

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 lighthearted note, a Dad Joke. The book also includes a comprehensive curriculum for the reader or those using the book for small-group discussions.

What you’ll take away:

·     Clear, actionable guidance you can use immediately

·     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 is the father of five, a seasoned financial advisor, and one of the country’s leading, most outspoken advocates for children and fathers. He’s the founder of two fatherhood nonprofits, author, TEDx Speaker, and host of the Special Fathers Network Dad To Dad Podcast, now with more than 400 episodes.

John F. Crowley is a father, president, and CEO of Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) as well as former longtime 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.