Parent’s Guide To Down Syndrome Short Book Review

AS the parent of a young man with DS, I have had two decades-plus to peruse or snooze most of the literature on the topic, both clinical and cultural. Ever the optimist, I even agreed to contribute some anecdotes and insights as a representative of the “older parents” or “parents of young adults,’ or something equally shocking to the senses and ego of, well, older parents of young adults, like me. That aside, I do admit to having been somewhat skeptical about the need for yet another “parent’s guide” to anything, by anyone.

However, this book really does rise quickly to the top of the list of useful references. It has a comfortable, practical, and conversational tone which imparts to the reader a sense of calm and a “this-is-not-a-big-deal, you-got-this” vibe that is helpful when a recent diagnosis makes it seem like it is indeed a very big deal and that you haven’t got a clue, much less a handle on Things.

In the internet-everything age, the hardcopy form is actually old-schoolie attractive for it’s ability to be scanned, browsed, highlighted, dog-eared, underlined, copies, cried on, spilt upon, thrown, whatever, as well as loaned to someone in need of advice or reference. Content-wise, the book has a nicely balanced mix of general information, the basics of the health and medical aspects of Trisomy 21, the common developmental expectations across a lifespan, parent anecdotes, and references. It has no pictures, which is refreshing, because, well, the interwebs are full of pictures and you just don’t need the distraction of cute kids and beautiful people with DS.

The book should be in the hands and within reach of all new parents, as well as friends, health/medical and educational professionals and care givers.

In disclosure, I contributed some material which ended up sneaking by otherwise diligent editors and finding its way into the final version of the book. I have received in return a complimentary review copy as the only consideration for my time and input. That said, I’m sure we soon will be passing it along to someone new to the Ds game.

Brian Long (“Connor’s dad”)
www.facebook.com/connor.long.315
Colorado
Dec 2015