Possibly one of the hardest parts of being a parent is judging when to ‘let go’. For our child with Down’s syndrome, this is a quite frightening challenge. To achieve it entails many years of thorough and detailed teaching and guidance starting with walking together, discussing traffic, and crossing roads. Makaton have produced a book to help signers.

London Accident Prevention Council also offers small publications, some available from London Boroughs Road Safety Officers or all may be obtained direct from:

The Road Safety Resource for Makaton Users is a spiral bound book; CaringParent, a 36 page booklet; Driving to School, a one sheet leaflet and Walking to School, an eight page booklet. All feature green cartoon characters and are simple and clear to help parents of pre-school and school age children to acquire and teach good habits and vital skills. More details on the Makaton website www.makaton.org

(From dsok newsletter 8 - September 2005)