The Broken Cord : Book Review

The broken cord was a book that I'm glad I read. It brought forth the reality of the consequences of alcohol misuse and abuse, a disease that may start as an acceptable thing to do in our society. However, in this case, it was about a child who was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and later adopted by the author of the book. I found it amazing that Dorris (author) knew that his son has some setbacks, or disability, and for a while just could not receive a diagnosis. The reality of FAS is that many children come from mothers who are victims of poverty, lack of education, unstable mental health situations. One cocktail, one can of beer, one glass of wine per day can cause a child a typically developing life. What is most devastating about this disabling condition is that it is 100% PREVENTABLE.

Later on in the book, the reader goes on to learn that Dorris (author) finds some sort of explanation for his son's deficits while working as an anthropologist and as head of the Department of Native American Studies at Darmouth University. I thought that it was great that this book was also able to include culture into their story and how different ethnic groups deal with the same problem. Reading this book also scared me a little, in a way that I am now approaching the age of thinking about starting a family, wanting a child with my future husband, and if for some reason (God forbid) I was unable to conceive, then adoption is something I would definitely consider. In the book, it is at 26 years old, that the author realizes he wants to be a parent. When thinking about being a parent, I think about late nights, no sleep, changing diapers, first day of kindergarden, homework help, first school dance, first boyfriend/girlfriend, high school, and sending my child to college. I DON'T think about therapy sessions, uncontrollable crying, frustration, pity, embarrassment, and all of the other unpleasant things that may come with a child with a disability.

It becomes even more of a reality when dealing with these children in a therapeutic setting, as these are some of the deficits we would be encounter as OTs:

• Decreased muscle tone and poor coordination
• Delayed development and significant functional problems in three or more major areas: thinking, speech, movement, or social skills (as expected for the baby's age)
• https://health.google.com/health/ref/Fetal+alcohol+syndrome

As an OT, we would have to critically think about how improve this child's daily living at home, in school, and in their community; and also address the concerns of the parents. Many times we think all therapy should be directed towards the child, but we forget about showing improved ways to deal with deficits to the parents, educating them, and implementing these treatment plans into the family's daily routine.

I admire this author as he was able to overcome many adversities including adopting a child as a man, adopting a child of a different culture, and being a great father to a child with a disability. His fight to LOVE and CARE for his child is greatly portrayed in this book, and I look forward to one day watching the movie.