Eric's Gift: A Mother's Discovery of Unconditional Love in the 47th Chromosome by Kimberly Thompson; Eric's Gift Enterprises, Tampa FL, 1998. he National Association for Down Syndrome wrote a review on Eric's Gift in their November 1998 Newsletter that read: "Be careful when reading this book because the reader's tears will mingle with the author's own on many pages. To say this mother experienced a roller coaster of emotions is an understatement. Not only did her newborn son have Down syndrome, but also he was a very, very sick baby with life threatening heart problems. Through the support of wonderful friends, family and medical professionals and through much inner searching, the mother finally let herself love little Eric unconditionally (not holding back because of the 'what ifs') and realized that this was his gift to her also -- unconditional love. The ending is happy; Eric's heart has finally been mended and his mother has shared her heart eloquently, intimately and hilariously with the reader."
Understanding Down Syndrome : An Introduction for Parents by Cliff Cunningham, Brookline Books, 1996. As well as helping parents and beginning practitioners understand the characteristics of the condition, this book covers the latest methods of treatment; gives advice on care of the young child, the adolescent, and the older person; stresses the importance of professional guidance and how to obtain it.
Count Us in : Growing Up With Down Syndrome by Jason Kingsley, Mitchell Levitz , Harvest Books, 1994. This unique and powerful account of life by two young men with Down Syndrome draws from more than 50 conversations between Jason and Mitchell over the course of three years, that touch on such topics as careers, friendships, school, sex, marriage, politics, finances, and independence.
Babies With Down Syndrome (The Special-Needs Collection) by Karen Stray-Gundersen (Editor), Karen Stray-Qundersen (Editor), Karen Stray-Gunderson; Woodbine House, 1995. Now in its second edition, Babies with Down Syndrome continues to be the definitive reference. This edition features expanded, up-to-date on pre-natal testing, daily care, medical care, early intervention, special education, advocacy, and disability lay, including the latest on the Americans with Disabilities Act. The resource guide has been completely updated and expanded to include both national and international organizations that serve people with Down Syndrome.
Down Syndrome : Living and Learning in the Community by Lynn Nadel, Donna Rosenthal (Editor); John Wiley & Sons, 1995. Down Syndrome: Living and Learning in the Community, which was written under the auspices of the National Down Syndrome Society, provides long-awaited, state-of-the-art information and advice about the disease, including an overview of the latest medical advances; information about the programs and services now available to people with Down syndrome and commentaries by young adults with Down syndrome who describe in their own words their feelings and accomplishments and offer indispensable advice.
Changed by a Child : Companion Notes for Parents of a Child With a Disability by Barbara Gill; Doubleday Publication, 1997. The mother of a child with Down's Syndrome presents a collection of brief, empathetic readings drawn from real-life situations, addressing the inner needs of parents of children with disabilities, from grief to anger to fatigue to medical issues."
Life As We Know It : A Father, a Family, and an Exceptional Child by Michael Berube; Pantheon Books, 1996. A moving, intensely personal chronicle of a father's struggle to realize the full potential of his Down syndrome son discusses his child's first four years of life, the stages of his development, and disability law, health care, education, and other key issues.
The Effects of Mental Retardation, Disability, and Illness on Sibling Relationships Research Issues and Challenge Edited by Z. Stoneman & P. Waldman Berman; Brookes Publishing, 1993 An authoritative collection for cutting-edge data that serves as a foundation for future research for those concerned with improving sibling relationships.
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updated February 20, 1999