Children's Wellbeing Archives - Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare

Written by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos.
Illustrated by Marta Fabrega.
Lets talk series.
Book house, Brighton, UK, 2012

#Down syndrome, #WDSD17, #notspecialneeds #Child wellbeing, #Healthcare preparation, #Health literacy, #Play, #Recreational activities, #School children, #Social inclusion, #Therapeutic books for children

“Do you have a special friend? I do! Her name is Ella, and she’s my best friend”

“My friend has Down’s syndrome” is a bright children’s book with colourful illustrations and an upbeat approach. Written essentially for school children about peer friendships. “Do you have a special friend? I do! Her name is Ella, and she’s my best friend”.

Positive messages surround the setting of children at summer camp with activities and fun. At first there is reluctance to have a new group member, Ella, who has Down syndrome. The camp club leader, Miss Theresa, tells the children about Ella and there are concerns; however with information comes understanding.

The story is told through the eyes of one girl and Ella is her new buddy. The girls play together, learning and sharing and partnering in sports, arts and crafts; also the camp show. Ella teaches her enthusiastic buddy pottery skills. Both girls are unique and have things they love to do as well as strengths.

“Note to parents”, about the book’s purpose is at the back. Acceptance and acknowledgment of children with Down syndrome and eliminating existing barriers with peers is a focus. Another aim is promoting a better understanding of children with Down syndrome. Find information about health problems that may be experienced by some children with Down syndrome, as well as supportive interventions.

Developing relationships, breaking down barriers and providing opportunities enables children to strive towards being the best they can be.

More information

Visit Down Syndrome Australia to find out more, including links to personal stories and videos to challenge thinking, there’s an Easy Read version.

Notes about healthcare

Child-friendly Information and healthcare

The book highlights children have information needs, information helps when coping with new situations and the instability of life. Going to hospital or even the doctors can be a disjointed interruption. Finding ways to make healthcare more normal and less stressful is essential.

When it comes to healthcare, children cope better when their information needs are met. For example, if having a procedure such as an x-ray, parents and healthcare professionals read books to children. Healthcare professionals, early childhood educators and teachers can link to factsheets, infographics, online resources such as Apps.

Is the information child-friendly? One child-friendly App tested on children is Okee in medical imaging. Health literacy is important, what are the information needs of each child and how can he or she be prepared for a doctor’s or dentist visit or hospital? See related blogs Four ways parents can increase their protective role, Keeping kids needs in the picture, H is for healthcare preparation and the Paediatric nurse.

Jillian Rattray

AWCH librarian

http://Library.awch.org.au

E: Jillian@awch.com.au

* please email if you wish to borrow this book.

Film Australia made this film for the Australian Association for the Welfare of Children as an Australian contribution to the International Year of the Child , 1979. The film was the result of a unique cooperation between Government, hospitals and the community.

Please Don’t Leave Me is a social document truthfully reflecting ‘where we were at’ in Australian children’s hospitals in 1979 – the International Year of the Child. The film is without commentary. At the time, Film Australia and AWCH paid tribute to hospitals whose staff courageously agreed to this exposure of their normal routine. Despite their vulnerability they were willing to go ahead, sharing with the film makers the aim of providing insights to all professionals, parents and policy makers concerned with the care of children.

Uncontrived visual and sound effects speak to the observer at an individual level with a strong emotional impact. It is worth noting that one of the camera men in the production team was Dean Semler of cinematographer fame – Mad Max 2, Dances With Wolves, City Slickers and Bruce Almighty to name a few.

Please Don’t Leave Me shows the reality of a child’s hospital experience in 1979. The result is important and at times uncomfortable. It was an important tool for the achievement of AWCH’s national goal – that each hospitalised child’s overwhelming plea ‘I Want Mummy’ should be understood and answered. It was hoped that through insights gained the necessary provisions would be made both in policy and practice so that hospitalised children could be continually supported by their parents. In the cases where this was not possible, it was necessary to ensure a surrogate parent for each individual child.

In AWCH’s 40th year we celebrate its achievements in the introduction of:

increased and flexible visiting hours for parents/carers and siblings of hospitalised children and adolescents
parents staying with their child during hospitalisation with appropriate facilities
recognition of the importance of play/education for a child/young person’s preparation and recovery while in hospital
increased parental involvement in all aspects of a child’s hospital care
Introduction of the AWCH Ward Grandparent Scheme

It is worthwhile watching the outstanding film and reflecting on the last 30+ years advances in how children are cared for in hospital.

The DVD can be borrowed from AWCH Library

My friend has Down’s syndrome – review

Please Don’t Leave Me

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