Minor adjustment
Andy Merriman
London: Pan Macmillan, 1999; £6.99 (paperback)
ISBN 033036748X
Sarah Merriman is six years old,
conventionally naughty and enchanting by turns, and a radio star. But,
unconventionally, she has Down's syndrome.
Down's syndrome is standard fodder for most medical genetics courses,
but the trials and rewards connected with parenting a Down's child are
beyond their scope.
Andy Merriman lays bare how his elation at the birth of his
daughter was quashed by the diagnosis of Down's syndrome. He is honest
about his emotional detachment from his newborn child and his despair
at the label it placed on their family. The isolation they initially
felt draws the sympathy of the neutral observer and the empathy of
those turning to the book for guidance with their own Down's child.
Herein lies the book's strength. The author's candour is invaluable
to couples in a similar situation, as well as their wider family and
friends, who may be looking for assurances that their feelings are
normal, that it will get easier.
Merriman gives a fair but critical appraisal of the social history of
the syndrome and how people with Down's are seen by today's society.
The ignorance of the public and the lack of compassion shown by close
friends are shocking to readers; the culture of shunning illness seems
far from overcome. The medical profession also takes to the dock and
does tolerably well, although there is a call for greater training and
awareness among the whole team.
This is a personal recollection of having a child with Down's
and cannot give the full picture. Sarah is bright (she has starred in
her own radio show), but she represents only one end of the spectrum of
Down's. Readers must be aware that the success which has greeted her
inauspicious beginnings is not truly representative of all Down's
children. Nevertheless, this loving and humorous account is worthy of
praise for the ebullience it inspires in the reader for their triumph.
Adrian Jubb, second year medical student, Leeds University
Email: ugm8amj@leeds.ac.uk
studentBMJ 2000;08:131-174 May ISSN 0966-6494
