Retarded Isn't Stupid, Mom!

by Sandra Kaufman M.A., Robert Edgerton (Afterword)

Nicole is 2 years old, and her family, after months of worrying, has just learned she has mental retardation. In a fast-paced, engaging story, mother Sandra Kaufman frankly reveals the feelings of denial, guilt, frustration, and eventual acceptance that result in a determination to help her child live an independent life. This edition, revised on the 10th anniversary of the book's original publication, adds a "progress report" that updates readers on Nicole's adult years and reflects on the revolutionary changes in society's attitudes toward people with disabilities since Nicole's birth. Retarded Isn't Stupid, Mom! remains a celebration of all that a child can grow to be.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Max Hanawalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The terminology used in this book is severely outdated. The term is now intellectually disabled. Otherwise the author gives a very realistic account of what having a child with intellectual disability is like. This is a worthwhile read for parents and educators.

[Wendy Becker]

A

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about a retarded girl growing into a woman. Her mom writes about the struggles she has with the daughter who yearns to be independent like her brothers and sisters, but has many more obstacles. This book really shows a person what they take for granted in life when some people have a hard time doing what comes easy to a "normal" person.
I really liked reading this book, her mom went through so much with her, and to any parent of a handicapped child they can relate to this woman for sure.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great inside look at what it is like to raise a child with mental retardation. As a person who has spent most of their professional life providing services to people with disabilities, it offered something I probably should have known THEN.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Title was flawed/incorrect? I am so confused as to how this all works!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great perspective for anyone wanting to learn more about disability.