The Politics Of Down Syndrome

Smith writes from personal experience - he has a Down syndrome daughter - and he explains why he does not use the possessive "Down's" descriptor, what Down syndrome really means, the actuality of state interference and how public attitudes still need to change.

And he introduces us to hidden aspects of a situation that most parents today know about superficially - the screening of the unborn foetus for certain anomalies.

This is all done in a matter-of-fact style, with many references to various literature sources and little, if any, personal anecdotes.

However the outrage caused by one grossly insensitive comedian in a public performance and the crass involvement of the press is well described.

Children born with Down syndrome come into a capitalist world of prejudice, so much so that it is difficult to separate out learning difficulties and "special educational needs" from the attitudes of society and the state machine that is identifiably different.

Unfortunately Smith seems unaware of provisions made for children with various disabilities within socialist societies and that is a serious omission.

But the book is a useful contribution to parental knowledge, despite signs of sketchy proof-reading.