Handicapped Child

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28630, 5 July 1958, Page 3

Handicapped Child

Caring for Intellectually Handicapped Children. By Ralph Winterbourn. New Zealand Council for Education Research. Studies in Education No. 16.

Dr. Ralph Winterbourn, professor of education at Auckland University, has written a brief and business-like manual for parents and others who have an intellectually handicapped child in their care. Although much that is said in connexion with the discovery of the handicap and the parents’ attitudes towards it, applies equally well to all grades of this deficiency, it is with the so-called “trainable” children that the book is primarily concerned. The term “trainable” is used to describe the children whose handicap is too great to enable them to cope with the ordinary work of schools or even special classes, but who are nevertheless not entirely dependent on the care of others.

Despite the brevity of this manual—a mere 46 pages—it is remarkably comprehensive. Within its scope is to be found a discussion d’f the nature of intellectual handicap, the pros and cons of placing a child in an institution, how the child’s time should be spent and what his ultimate prospects are likely to be. In addition, the problems of the child’s parents and brothers and sisters are discussed, and advice is given on how to cope with relatives and neighbours and where parents can turn for assistance and information. All of this is dealt with calmly, clearly and systematically. As Professor Winterbourn has adopted the method of answering the questions commonly asked by parents, it is also extremely practical. “Caring for Intellectually Handicapped Children” is brief, but it is also comprehensive. It is positive and constructive, but it is also honest and does not raise hopes likely to prove false. It is reliable and informative, but it is also simple, practical and’readable. It does not answer all the innumerable possible queries which can arise in the course of caring for an intellectually handicapped child, but it does point parents to the sources of such information and help. This manual should prove a boon to many and it is pleasing to note that as a result of financial assistance from the J. R. McKenzie Trust Board, a copy will be distributed free of charge to all parents of intellectually handicapped children throughout New Zealand.