Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Stories from a Pediatric Practice

Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities is a powerful collection of narrative clinical stories drawn from the long career of developmental pediatrician Dr. Alfred L Scherzer. Focused on children with disabilities and their families, each chapter includes a pediatrician’s perspective, a real-life story, and reflective commentary. These deeply human stories illuminate the complexities of disability care, offering nuanced insights into clinical challenges, ethical dilemmas, family dynamics, and the lifelong impact of early intervention. Rather than clinical guidelines, these are personal recollections meant to spark reflection, discussion, and empathy. They emphasize the importance of patient- and family-centered care, the role of storytelling in medical education, and the value of lived experience alongside professional expertise. From navigating diagnoses to balancing autonomy and protection, the narratives underscore the emotional and societal dimensions of childhood-onset disabilities. The book supports professional learning for clinicians working with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities; strengthens team communication, and offers validation and insight for families navigating similar experiences.

About the Author

Clinical Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA; Past President, American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) Physiotherapist and PhD, Department of Orthopaedics, Lund University, Sweden