Activity
Perceptions of Disability: Expecting Adam (Book)
Est. Time: 2 Weeks Reading/45 Minutes Class Time
Objective
Explore perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Synopsis
Martha Beck seems to have it all: a degree from Harvard, entrance to graduate school, a promising career, and an expanding family. However, she soon discovers that her unborn son has Down syndrome and must sort through her feelings about disability as a parent.
For Your Information
Individuals with intellectual disabilities often exhibit impairments in cognitive functioning, memory, decision-making skills, adaptive behavior, independent living skills, interpersonal skills, and communication. To learn more about intellectual disabilities, and Down syndrome specifically, visit:
- Intellectual Disability (Center for Parent Information and Resources)
- Intellectual Disability (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
Activity
Read the following book and be prepared to discuss the questions below in class.
Title: Expecting Adam (2002)
Author: Martha Beck
Publisher: Berkley Books • New York
- How did Martha and her husband discover that Adam had Down syndrome?
- Why did so many in the Harvard medical community advise Martha against keeping Adam?
- Reflect on Martha’s conversation with Dr. Grendel. Do you agree with the doctor’s opinion? Why or why not?
- How do you think members of the academic community would have responded to a child if the disability did not impact cognitive skills?
- At the end of Chapter 8, Martha reflects on how Adam was “sorry for the pain I felt as I tried to turn him into a ‘normal’ child and that he loved me despite my many disabilities.” Discuss your thoughts on her statement.
