Dealing with Differences

Brooklyn native, Alan Jackowitz grew up with the sound of rock and roll and adding machines. No, I'm Not Drunk!: Taming My Parkinson's With Humor, Music and Charity (abj) is his first book. Struck with Parkinson’s at age 50, Jackowitz’s life was turned upside-down but he still kept his perspective and his wonderful sense of humor This is the story of a man, both husband and father, who takes his Parkinson’s diagnosis in stride (albeit shuffly). With the help of music, humor, and charity, Alan begins to make a difference in the world. His challenge is Parkinson's, but substitute any other disease or hurdle and find that music, humor, and a positive attitude can help you through the day, even if it is just a little.

After writing three books on learning disabilities, Anne Ford traveled the country and has been asked numerous times, "How can I balance my attention between my two children, one with LD and one without? The one with the disability requires so much attention." This challenge is faced by many families. Parents need to be aware of this delicate situation (some do not believe there is a problem at all) because if it is not dealt with, it can lead to serious future difficulties, including lingering resentment and hostility. Her forth book is The Forgotten Child (Capri Island Publications), co-authored with John-Richard Thompson (her collaborator on her three previous books), which helps parents confront this important challenges posed by the “other” child in the family.