ACQ Vol 12 No 3 2010

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ACQ Volume 12, Number 3 2010 153
Second, if the child goes on to require special education
they will not be required to learn a new set of signs. Overall,
this resource represents a quick and easy way for parents
to learn to use signs with their child and would be a helpful
addition to the list of resources that is recommended to
parents of young children with speech and language delays.
Shprintzen, R.J., & Golding-Kushner, K.J. (2008).
Velo-cardio-facial syndrome, Vol. 1. San Diego, CA:
Plural publishing. ISBN10: 1 59756 071 5 (includes media
DVD), ISBN13: 978 1 59756 071 9; pp. 289; US$89.95;
Maeve Morrison
This book provides a
comprehensive description of
the multiple anomaly disorder,
velo-cardio-facial syndrome
(VCFS), also known as Deletion
22q11 syndrome. The clinical
management of many of the
anomalies is discussed with an
emphasis on the need for
transdisciplinary care. The
authors have successfully
blended scientific knowledge
with their extensive clinical
experience to give the reader an up-to-date account of this
complex syndrome. The book comes with a DVD with 19
clinical video clips that are referenced throughout the text.
Many of the video clips will be of particular interest to those
involved in the management of speech in VCFS.
The interesting history of the syndrome is covered in the
first chapter. The second and longest chapter is dedicated
to a description of the anomalies associated with VCFS,
including a clear explanation of the speech and language
disorder which is typically complex and often difficult to treat.
The third chapter covers the genetics of VCFS which serves
as an introduction to the subject of genetics, using simple
language, as well as discussion around genetic counselling.
Chapter 4 covers the clinical management over time of
individuals with VCFS and the final chapter covers growth
and feeding, and includes weight and height charts.
This book is a welcome contribution to the literature. It
will be of interest to clinicians working across many fields
in the care of individuals with VCFS including speech
pathologists, paediatricians, cardiologists, plastic surgeons,
otolaryngologists and geneticists. It aims to give the reader
insight from many professional perspectives so as to
promote true transdisciplinary care. It is easy to read as the
majority of the book is written by the two main authors so
the language and structure of the content are consistent
throughout. The inclusion of the DVD with video clips gives
the clinician an additional learning tool.
While the book does not claim to be based solely on
scientific research, there is inconsistency in the degree
and range of referencing across the chapters with some
Gollan, S. (2009). Sign baby. Sydney: SignBaby
Australia; A$29.95. Available at ABC stores or direct
from
Nicole Watts Pappas
Presented by popular
playschool presenter Sofya
Gollan, Sign Baby is an
introductory DVD for parents
who wish to teach their baby/
young child to sign. The DVD
uses Auslan (Australian Sign
Language) and covers 200
everyday signs suitable for
use for young children. An
introductory section briefly
explains the benefits of using
signs and shows video clips
of young children signing with
their parents. Some information is provided regarding how to
start using signs with a baby or toddler.
The DVD runs for 126 minutes and includes 10 tutorials
of approximately 3 minutes each, covering 15–18 signs.
The tutorials are organised into functional groups of signs
such as “playtime”, “bath and bedtime”, and “food and
drink”. The first tutorial, “baby’s first signs” is an excellent
starting point and includes the signs “drink”, “milk”, “more”,
“finished”, “book”, “teddy”, “sleep”, “no”, “yes”, “nappy”,
“poo”, “wet”, “where?”, “hello”, “goodbye”, and “kiss”.
Later tutorials include more advanced signs and concepts
such as numbers, the alphabet, and colours. An interesting
tutorial entitled “manners and concepts” includes signs such
as “vomit”, “fart” and “burp”, sure to be a favourite with
young boys. The last tutorial includes seven popular nursery
rhymes, as Sofya says, “just for fun”.
Each sign is presented clearly twice by the presenter
and is paired with the verbal and written words. My own
11-month-old son enjoyed watching the tutorials and learnt
many of his signs directly from the DVD. However, it is also
a clear way for parents to learn individual signs to use with
their child. The DVD also includes interviews with three
professionals, an early childcare teacher, a sign linguist, and
an excellent interview with speech pathologist, Sarah Starr.
My only criticism is that the interviews were quite lengthy
(43 minutes in total) and while the information included was
excellent it may have helped to include a brief summary of
the key points, especially the fact that using signs does not
delay the emergence of spoken language.
Clinically, this is a useful resource to recommend to
parents of children with delayed speech and language skills
as well as typically developing children. It would also be
a wonderful resource for sharing with hearing parents of
hearing impaired children who are learning to sign. The use
of Australian Sign Language is an advantage of this DVD
over other similar resources. First, it enables the child to
converse with other sign language users in the community.
Resource reviews
Speech pathology resources