Lessons from my Child

Lessons from my Child Parents' experiences of life with a disabled child (2004) Cindy DOwling, Neil Nicoll and Bernadette Thomas. Finch Publishing Sydney

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/Details.cfm?ProdID=251

I know that they don't use 'people first' language in the title but this collection of essays is superb. This is where I first read about Sujeet Dasai. There are a whole range of different parenting experiences and different disabilities included. There is some counselling stuff at the start of each chapter but it was the parents' stories I loved. I first borroed the book from my local library - but I liked it so much and kept thinking about it so I finally bought a copy for myself.

Less accessible probably but also well worth it - I happened upon a copy at the University Co-op Bookshop in SYdney -

Adults with Down Syndrome edited by Siegfried M Pueschel (Professor of Pediatrics Brown University School of Medicine) (2006) Paul H Brookes Publishing Co. Two things I liked about this book - given that Hannah is only 3!! It has a whole lot of articles written by people with DS interspersed with the info on adults with DS. - Including Sujeet, his now wife Carolyn Bergeron, Karen Gaffney and others. I loved reading what they are up to as adults - from themselves not a parent. The other thing which is probably quite minor and pure speculation but I noticed it after I had bought the book - under the Acknowledgements page is this little treasure:

"I am foremost indebted tot he innumerable people with Down syndrome I have had the privilege to care for during the past decades. These individuals taught me of their outstanding human qualities, their contribution to society, and their passion for life.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my son, Chris Pueschel, who was a true inspiration throughout his short life. Among the numerous lessons he taught me, Chris instilled in me that the value of people with Down syndrome is intrisically rooted in their very humanity and that there should be recognition of the dignity and worth of people with Down syndrome."

And on the front cover - 6 adults with DS - not a stereotypical bad haircut in sight!

Thanks Shelly they sound really interesting, i like to read mostly non fiction books and usually start and finish one in a couple of days so i will look out for these ones

Yep, added to the ever growing list lol....

Cas

Hey Shelley, have you got the 'adults with down syndrome book'? Let us know what you think. I've heard it's the sort of book we should all read even now when our kids are littlies...

Yes I do - and I liked it so much I have ordered his more general Down Syndrome book as well even though we don't really need an intro to the world of DS. It really is a good book. Well worth reading.

Lessons from my child!

hey, after thinking about the 6 month honeymoon post, I forgot that I'd read this book a couple of weeks ago, I got it from the library. I really enjoyed it too Shelley, it was great to read the different stories and experiences.

I might see if my library has them or can get them on interloan. I love that type of thing. Thanks for sharing.

I am happy to share if you like - you're in Brisvegas aren't you? My sisters live there - Dad is living with us every couple of weeks and up there every couple of weeks - so if you want to PM me I can send it home with my Easter visitors (my sister, her DH and my nephew) or simply post.

I also have Kathryn Lynard Soper's The Year My Son and I Were Born - I read it at the same time I read Pearl Buck's the Girl Who never Grew - and even though the time and systems are so diffeerent - the similarity of the parent's feelings struck me. I enjoyed both - so if you like reading - I'd recommend them.

Thanks Shelley. That would be great. I will PM you my phone numbers so they can make contact when they get back.

Look forward to some reading.......its the main relaxation thing I do outside of the internet!!

Carolyn