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This book is based on the experiences and observations of Mrs. Loewy who is director of a well-known boarding school for handicapped and mentally retarded (questionable) children. She has divided this complex subject into four areas: social, education, physical and case studies. She describes her techniques for teaching children, some of whom are classified as “ineducable” by local school authorities. She includes specimen diets, games, songs and poems which are all utilized for rehabilitating these children.
The author seems to confuse scientific techniques and terms with her personal bias, such as “This was a boy, a high grade Mongol, who was not really a complete Mongol but rather Mongoloid. He was very constipated which resulted in extreme brightness alternating with great lethargy.” Another pearl: “A child who has digestive trouble will find it hard to enunciate clearly.”
This confused thinking seems to permeate all the chapters. She frequently emphasizes the importance of securing “the best medical assistance.” It would appear that this means securing osteopath and chiropractor for high colonic irrigations.
It appears that her concept of a backward child is anyone who has difficulty in relating to his peers, yet at times she uses the term in its more classical meaning. Her songs, games and puzzles are not unique and are used by most teachers as part of their technique in working with retarded and disturbed children. Her recommended diets are actually poor diets medically speaking.
I do feel that this volume is of questionable value because of its mistatements, lack of clarity and preoccupation with the gastro-intestinal tract. It is apparent, however, that the author has a deep interest in the children who come to her as well as the commendable attitude of accepting each child as an individual in his own right.