the quality
of life, health and intelligence of their children.
Successful Parenting of Children with Down Syndrome
This is the work of Dr. John F. Unruh, Ph.D., who has spent many years helping parents of children with Down Syndrome and, in turn, has learned from their collective efforts.
From these parents he discovered that effective intervention was
possible and very productive. Even though Down Syndrome is of genetic origin
and stems from chromosomal differences, they discovered that with a
little guidance they could focus their love and their determination to
affect the quality
of life, health and intelligence of their children.
It was the parents who recognized that often it was lack of intervention that allowed the typical symptoms of obesity, lethargy, unacceptable behavior and low functional skills, to hamper the progress of their children. Their concerns encouraged professionals to provide medical attention and social opportunities that did not exist as little as twenty years ago. Today we see children with Down Syndrome acting on television. They are subjects of motion pictures. They are sent to school, given vocational opportunities and take part in social activities. There are agencies, organizations and concerned citizens to help.
Yes, it was the parents who created this new awareness of potential that has encouraged professionals and society to provide opportunities which did not exist a few years ago. And this book is designed to strengthen and support their efforts to further influence the abilities of their children with Down Syndrome.
ISBN 0-961-5332-4-2