DH> Yes, it can be tough to get the medical types to recognize the realities   
   DH> of life!   
      
   What is incredible to me is the amount of medical professionals that are out   
   of touch concerning Down Syndrome.     
      
   When we first found out before our son was born, based on their comments, you   
   would think he would have been completely non-functional.  That could not be   
   farther from the truth!  These people need an medical refresher course!  It   
   seems to be a battle with some to bring them up to date.   
      
   DH> We enrolled (all of us) in a sign language group for toddlers. The theory   
   DH> is   
   DH> that all children have needs before they can speak, and using sign   
   DH> language   
   DH> (so called "signed English") helps prevent frustration. We still use a   
   DH> little - it's handy in a noisy place!   
      
   Not a bad idea.  I have learned some of the basics from our son and his   
   teachers. :)  He has been getting better at verbalizing.   
      
   - Mark   
      
   --- WWIVToss v.1.50    
    * Origin:  http://www.weather-station.org * Bel Air, MD -USA (1:261/1304.0)