Your Down's Syndrome Child: Everything Today's Parents Need to Know About Raising Their Special Child.

Your Down's Syndrome Child: Everything Today's Parents Need to Know About Raising Their Special Child This text is written primarily for parents of children with Down syndrome. I was appalled that, even in the title of the text, the author was not current in her knowledge of the name of the syndrome. By the early 1980s, the names of syndromes were no longer stated as possessives (eg, Down syndrome). The author states that the book is a handbook of practical information and advice for parents who have a child with Down syndrome, whether the child is a new baby, an infant, a young child, or an adolescent.

Each of the first 10 chapters addresses a specific age period in the life of the child. In trying to be simplistic for parents, the author becomes too simplistic and does not give adequate or in some instances correct information. For example, in Chapter 2, the exercises given for stimulation of gross and fine motor skills are inappropriate, and no reference is made to the need for programming by an occupational therapist or a physical therapist. In Chapter 3, the statement is made that "sucking motion can be stimulated by enlarging the nipple hole so the milk flows easier." Most professionals who deal with feeding difficulties in children with Down syndrome would offer this suggestion. Again, no reference is made to the need for referral to a nutritionist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, or a speech pathologist for feeding problems. In fact, the author states that nothing can be done about slow feeding in infants.

In later chapters, again, simplistic but inappropriate suggestions are given for stimulation of speech. No mention is made of the use of nonverbal communication with these children, although research now suggests that the use of signing may be important for some children with Down syndrome. Gross motor activities suggested for the toddler to 5-year-old are again inappropriate, and no reference is made to special programming for the child.

The author appears to be more accurate in her discussions of the educational needs of the child with Down syndrome and in the roles of parents. The strength of the book appears to lie in the author's background with the older child with Down syndrome (eg, vocational training, group homes, and semi-independent living). An appendix at the end of the book also offers good information on organizations and government agencies that can help parents who have children with Down syndrome.

Overall, I cannot recommend this book to parents of children with Down syndrome. The information presented often is outdated and inaccurate. Many other texts of comparable price are available that would be more appropriate for parents.