Discussion

Dorothy Burlingham's interesting and detailed account of Alice Goldberger's painstaking work and success in awakening this difficult and sad little girl bring up many questions.

One is struck and surprised by the way in which Judy was able to respond when she was offered a musical outlet, training, and an instrument. Of course, many months of preparation preceded this. Nevertheless, it was as though the capacity for and understanding of this medium of expression had always been there in Judy, but had not been utilized. It makes one wonder how many other potentials exist in these early years, unknown and untapped, waiting to be made use of.

Various methods help us ascertain what is missing in early ego development because of the lack of visual stimulation and give many hints how some of these missing ingredients can be supplied in the place of what develops automatically with sight from the start of life. Does the work with Judy and her reaction mean that through the means of music she might actually relive and relearn some of those feelings and experiences that she missed at the appropriate time in her development? Can some of these be provided now? Or is it an ingredient that, unless it is supplied at a particular moment, leaves a permanent defect and deficiency? Should one be satisfied that Judy has found one enjoyable activity that will make her life more interesting and much richer within the framework of a retarded and somewhat abnormal personality structure? Or ought one to assume that she will be able to respond to further interpretation and clarification of inner and outer reality in such a way as to make the aims of work with her the same as those with other normal or neurotic blind or sighted children—that is, to present her with the prospect of looking forward to a relatively independent future in which satisfying