Babies With Down Syndrome: A New Parent's Guide (The Special-Needs Collection)

Offers advice on issues such as prenatal testing, developmental expectations, medical needs, legal help, educational assistance, and familial adjustment

A REVIEW -

"When parents first learn that their baby has Down syndrome, they often feel a rush of emotions. Many families report an overwhelming sense of feeling alone and isolated. Connecting to other 'veteran parents' is often the first and perhaps most valuable step families take as they begin their journey toward understanding and coming to terms with their child and his or her special needs. This book fills a niche by providing information and support in a comfortable written style.

The tone of the book is set from the beginning with a foreword by Forts, a woman with an impressive list of activities and credentials, who also happens to have Down syndrome. She states that she is really an 'up' syndrome person! Further, in the introduction, the editor states: No book can mend a broken heart or shattered dreams...but it can give you the facts you need to begin dreaming once again of the bright future all parents want for their children.

That is exactly what this book proceeds to accomplish, challenging myths and misconceptions, without judging or moralizing.

This book would be an important resource to any new parents. All professionals working directly with families should add this book to their loan libraries or resources to share with new parents."

Diane Apter, Early Childhood Directions Center, Syracuse, NY, from Mental Retardation, Vol. 34, No. 6, December 1996