NAPPA Parenting Resources Winner 2008

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Product Description

(2007 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award: Finalist, Parenting; 2008 NAPPA Honors Award)

Parents of children with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are accustomed to paying close attention to their child's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. This proactive approach should also include their child's sexual development, which for many parents may not seem as obvious or urgent, especially to those with young children.

Drawing on her unique background as both a sexual educator and mother of a child with Down syndrome, the author blends factual information and practical ideas for teaching children with Down syndrome about their bodies, puberty, and sexuality. This book gives parents the confidence to speak comfortably about these sometimes difficult subjects.

In an easy-to-read, non-clinical style, the book covers relevant issues and concerns for children of all ages, such as:
Labeling & explaining private body parts;

Identifying & expressing emotions;

Respecting personal space;

Teaching self-care & hygiene;

Understanding norms of privacy;

Understanding gender identity;

Showing appropriate levels of affection.

It also covers later issues that affect teenagers and young adults, including:
Anticipating and understanding puberty;

Dealing with periods, bras for girls;

Experiencing erections, wet dreams for boys;

Relating to the opposite sex;

Sharing parental values about sexuality;

Explaining sexual relationships;

Preventing sexual abuse;

Understanding how Down syndrome affects puberty & fertility rates.

Each chapter highlights important points with key messages, teaching activities, parental pauses, and anecdotes, all of which prompt readers to stop and consider concepts or values associated with a particular topic. The final chapter covers the special concerns of parents who are now teaching teenaged or adult children about sexuality for the first time. It concludes with extensive appendices containing invaluable teaching materials and illustrations of body parts and functions.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #121009 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781890627331
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
The book is full of stories and real-life examples, which make the book easy-to-read. There's something that virtually everyone can relate to. --Down Syndrome News (Nat'l Down Syndrome Congress)

This book has a parent feel--it is written in a non-clinical, easy to read style. It is recommended for parents and professionals who have or work with children and adults with Down syndrome. --National Association for Down Syndrome Newsletter

[A] wonderful resource for parents of all exceptional children who wish to explore such important issues as abuse prevention, respecting personal space, understanding privacy norms, showing appropriate levels of affection and explaining sexual relationships. --Exceptional Family, Winter 2007

About the Author
Terri Couwenhoven, M.S., is an ASSECT certified sexuality educator who specializes in working with people who have intellectual disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. Previous publications include Beginnings: A Parent/Child Sexuality Program for Families with Puberty-Aged Children with Developmental Disabilities and Teen-to-Teen. When she is not teaching, she is Clinic Coordinator for the Down Syndrome Clinic of Wisconsin at Children s Hospital of Wisconsin. Terri has two daughters, her oldest has Down syndrome.

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Customer Reviews

Wonderful to find information
Thank you for making it so easy for me to get the information I need to be the best parent I can be to my daughter who was born 15 years ago with Down Syndrome. Sometimes it feels like we are in a boat with no oars. When I find books like this that actually give me some insight it makes all the difference in the world. And right here on Amazon, I don't have to go out searching and searching.
This book is very easy to navigate and find the info I need help with. Just another way to approach things helps tremendously.
Thank you

Great for Parents of children/adults with Down syndrome
Excellent book.
Great pointers for parents of little ones with Down syndrome. As a parent of an adult with Down syndrome, I found the book to be excellent in discussing sexuality and body boundries.

Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality
Terri Couwenhoven's book is a terrific resource for parents and teachers of kids with Down syndrome and other disabilities (including autism). The book includes lessons to use when teaching kids about safe behavior and social relationships.