Fine motor skills for children with down syndrome: a guide for parents and professionals, ed 2.

Bruni M. Bethesda, MD 20817, Woodbine House, Inc, 2006, paperback, 241 pp, illus, ISBN: 978-1-890627-67-4, $19.95.

This is one book in a series, "Topics in Down Syndrome," published by Woodbine House. The second edition, similar to the first edition, is well organized and easy to read. It was written to serve as a practical resource for both professionals and parents. Professionals can use the information to explain to parents what a child with Down syndrome can do at different stages of development, and to provide parents with activities to do at home that will help the child master emerging motor skills. Parents will be able to use the book to understand how the development of fine motor skills are affected by the characteristics of Down syndrome, how to identify when their child is ready to learn a new activity, how to choose toys and activities that develop the basic components needed to accomplish a motor skill, and the approximate age they can expect their child to master various skills.

The author clearly explains why a child needs to develop stability, bilateral coordination, and sensation before they can master finger and hand skills. Detailed guidelines tell parents how to facilitate the development of these basic building blocks by incorporating the exercises into day-to-day activities.

It is generally accepted that children with Down syndrome take longer to learn. The second edition contains new information on how children with Down syndrome learn and a chapter on sensory processing. In chapter 2, "Building on What is There: Learning Step by Step," the author proposes that in order for the child to learn, 4 questions must be considered:

(1) Is the child "ready"? ("Ready" means adequate neurological, cognitive, and motor control development).

(2) Can the child pay attention to the task long enough to learn the task?

(3) What combination of sensory cues should be used to promote learning?

(4) How much repetition does the child need to learn a new activity?

Chapter 11 explains how difficulties with sensory processing can negatively affect learning and behavior in children with Down syndrome. This chapter also provides strategies that can help a child manage various sensory problems in order to facilitate learning.

One notable feature is that this book contains many clear and appropriately placed pictures that enhance the text. It also has a glossary of terms and 2 appendixes. There are visual motor worksheets in appendix 1 and a list of household items that can be used for hand activities in appendix 2. References in the bibliography have expanded from 36 in the first edition to 72 in the second edition. The list of resource companies and support organizations also has been expanded.

Fine Motor Skills for Children With Down Syndrome is an excellent resource for both parents and professionals unfamiliar with Down syndrome. It is a good companion to the book Gross Motor Skills in Children With Down Syndrome, which also is in Woodbine House's "Topics in Down Syndrome" series.

Marylou Ingles, PT, is Director of Physical Therapy, Sullivan County BOCES; Liberty, NY.

[DOI: 10.2522/ptj.2007.87.1.117]