YOU CAN RAISE YOUR HANDICAPPED CHILD

Evelyn Ayrault, who told her own story this year (Take One Step-Doubleday- p. 759) and who became a psychologist in spite of her own disability compounded by her family background, here discusses the ways in which to help a handicapped child. It is both more extensive and intensive than Dr. Egg's When a Child is Different reviewed earlier in this issue. Miss Ayrault discusses at considerable length what kind of handicap (mental versus physical); the psychological evaluations which are used in determining the child's potential; the parent's attitudes (rejection is often not recognized) and disciplines to be applied; the child's many motivating fears- and his jealousy. She is very helpful in defining a practical routine, in recommending clothes, special equipment, mechanical aids, toys (and where to secure each), and in showing what special schools and classes can do in cooperation with the home. Her final words are encouraging-- the handicapped child can now receive more care, education and employment opportunities than were available in the '20's.... If the choice is to be made, her book is more substantial in every respect than Dr. Egg's mentioned above, and it should serve both parents and teachers very well.