LIVING WITH A MENTALLY RETARDED CHILD: A Primer for Parents

Living with a mentally retarded child, not at the expense of the rest of the family, demands the same parental common sense you would be exercising in any case plus a great deal more patience. There are six million retarded children (causes outlined along with types) and 89% of them can be expected to lead ""relatively independent lives."" All should be kept at home for the early years if possible. Miss Buckler discusses ""slowly -- step by step"" home care and training, social behavior, recreation, education, and jobs for later in life. Her book is based on professional guidance and government pamphlets and includes a great deal of functional advice. Half of it, a very important half, considering the number of books on the subject, is the appendix with its state-by-state lists of diagnostic centers (clinics, hospitals, etc.) and residential facilities (and their capacities). There is also an extensive and equally current bibliography.