The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 2nd Issue | Page 20

Gary Dietz of Dads of Disability

blog.dadsofdisability.com
Tell us a little about yourself and your
book.
I am foremost a father to Alexander, a wonderful
14 year-old boy with multiple disabilities who
just two years ago entered a residential school
placement (he is home on weekends), I work in
marketing and am the editor of a very inspiring
book entitled “Dads of Disability”. The book
is available in paperback on Amazon (and by
special order at bookstores), and also an ebook
on Kindle, iPad/iPhone/iTunes, Nook, and
Kobo.
The book is a collection of stories and poems rich
in specific context and imagery that illustrate a
father’s perception of and reaction to a variety of
experiences. From before and through birth, to
diagnosis, to the workplace, to serious medical
or behavioral issues, to father’s support circles,
and much more—including aging and death—
many inflection points are explored by fathers
and mothers and children. Each entry focuses on
male and fatherhood themes.

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Tell us about your family.
My lovely significant other and her two young
children live with me, and on weekends we try
our best to integrate all three children and meet
their individual needs. I am so busy with my
work, advocating for my son, and trying to be a
good partner that my hobby list has shortened
to morning walks and Netflix!

How did you find out about your child’s
diagnosis?
Our “day of diagnosis” was complex. But in a
nutshell we knew their were issues from birth,
and had an official diagnosis at 9 months.
One of my pet peeves is that too many folks
(professionals and laypeople alike) don’t know
the difference between diagnosis and prognosis.
A diagnosis can only inform a prognosis, not
dictate what someone’s future will be.

What were your first thoughts when
you heard of your child’s diagnosis?

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