Customer Reviews

Down Syndrome: The Facts (Fact Series)

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I read this book shortly after my son was born with Down Syndrome. It was not as "mushy" as the Stray-Gunderson book. It has wonderful information on the joys of raising a child with down syndrome, while giving very specific information on potential health problems and what to be sure your pediatrician is aware of. I liked the fact that he recomends that the parent is the child's biggest advocate, and that we prepare ourselves for that role.

Written by an Australian pediatrician, this book is both positive and informative. The book presents a great deal of material but does it in an clear and accessible style . The author is extremely optimistic about the future of people with Down syndrome and this optimism shows in his writing. The material covered includes early childhood development, school, adolescence, and adulthood. Laws in the US, UK, and Australia are covered.

I read this book yesterday at the library and found the author to be spineless, inhumane and downright mean. This person should have never written this book!!

The beginning of the book explains the many emotions parents, siblings, grandparents etc. may experience when faced with a Down syndrome diagnoses, but the advise given is from the heart of a man who couldn't go into the nursery to see or touch his baby for three days simply because she has DS. An extra chromosome 21 does not render a person unlovable or contagious. The author does assure the reader that love will blossom but it could take some time. There's nothing wrong with that advice but a serious attitude adjustment is in order. I understand not everyone's reactions are the same but a loving heart is a loving heart even if it may be paralyzed for a bit by shock or other emotions. This author's poor daughter needed to be hugged and kissed and cuddled by her dad. His actions shouldn't have been guided by his emotions. He should have seen to the baby's needs and let his emotions catch up with his obligation to care for his baby. I dealt with my emotions when my son was diagnosed with DS. In my eyes he's the cutest most wonderful baby on the planet as were my other children when they were the babe in my arms.

The book goes on to explain that siblings may have negative feelings toward the sibling with DS. The author suggests that you let the siblings know that they will not be responsible for the care of the sibling with DS after the parents are no longer able to. GRRRR!! Siblings should want to support each other whether they have DS or not. For the brother or sister with DS it may be visiting at an assisted living facility or opening up an extra bedroom. My younger brother was born with DS and we always knew he needed more care and attention than the rest of us. We gave it willing. We were just dealt a different hand than other families.

The author wants parents to help their children deal with taunts about their sibling with DS by allowing the child to take it out on the parents. What?!!! Subtract DS from the equation and see how to deal with taunting and teasing. It's the same situation when DS is added back in.

The book includes the same clinical information about DS as any other book so it's no goldmine of knowledge.

The author explains the prenatal tests available to detect DS. There is a warning about the possibility of a miscarriage but concludes that parents are going to have to decide for themselves if they would terminate the pregnancy if DS is detected. I would have loved to read that the author found such joy in raising a daughter with DS that he encourages parents to see past societies shallowness and love their baby but the author never does.

I know I'm a better person because I had the privilege of being touched by DS. I'm the mother and the sister of wonderful people, two of them have an extra chromosome.

I wish I could impress upon every man, woman and child that DS is not a curse. This book doesn't do anything to bring that wish to fruition.