Michael Gordon

Dr. Michael Gordon, a distinguished clinical psychologist based in Syracuse, New York, has dedicated his career to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of psychological conditions, particularly ADHD. He has contributed extensively to the field through his academic research, teaching, publications, and professional practice. He is well-known for his ability to translate complex psychological concepts into practical strategies for patients and their families. His compassionate and evidence-based approach has earned him a reputation as a trusted clinician and a respected voice in clinical psychology.

Gordon is professor emeritus of psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University where he was director of Child Psychiatric Services and founded one of the first subspecialty ADHD clinics in the country. In recognition of his decades-long advocacy efforts, he was inducted into the Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Hall of Fame -- a national non-profit organization that supports individuals and families with ADHD.

Gordon is the inventor of the Gordon Diagnostic System, a computerized measure of attention, used internationally within the assessment of ADHD. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the Society for Behavioral Pediatrics, and the Central New York Association for Learning Disabilities. Dr. Gordon was director of training for a generation of psychology interns. He also has been a much sought-after speaker at conferences and workshops internationally, training other professionals in effective assessment and intervention techniques. Over the past twenty years, he has presented most often about the diagnosis of ADHD in relation to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

He is the author of eleven books for professionals, parents, and children including: ADHD-Hyperactivity: A Consumer's Guide, ADHD on Trial: Courtroom Clashes over the Meaning of Disability, My Brother's a World-Class Pain: A Sibling's Guide to ADHD-Hyperactivity, Jumpin' Johnny Get Back to Work! A Child's Guide to ADHD/Hyperactivity and Accommodations in Higher,Education under the Americans with Disabilities Act: A No-Nonsense Guide for Clinicians, Educators, Administrators, and Lawyers. Parenthetically, he is well-known as a singer-songwriter who has performed regularly in diverse venues across the region for decades.MindStir Media has recently published The Book of David: On Caring for Siblings with Special Needs. Michael uses his brother’s story to offer insights and guidance for sibling caregivers. In the introduction, he writes: “Most books that address life with a special needs sibling focus on the negative consequences that can so often flow from the experience. To be sure, caring for a brother or sister with disabilities can be burdensome and, in some cases, overwhelming. No matter how much we love them, we can still suffer mightily under the weight of the responsibilities they bring into our lives.” But, he adds, “while I absolutely understand why the downsides of sibling caregiving have taken center stage, I’ve read precious little that adopts a more nuanced view and considers how managing the less-than-perfect among us can also enrich us all—individually, within our families, and across the community at large. My aim is not to sugarcoat disability or trivialize the substantial negative impact caring for a sibling might have. I simply feel that there’s value in considering the entirety of the experience, both adverse and otherwise.”