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Brian G Skotko

Publications and source records attributed to Brian G Skotko.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

What the other children are thinking: brothers and sisters of persons with Down syndrome.

Brothers and sisters are obligatorily welcomed to the disability community when a person with Down syndrome (DS) is part of the family unit. How they react to such an invitation is the focus of this investigation. Here, we review the most current research on brothers and sisters of persons with DS, and comment on our own experience in facilitating sibling workshops at the local, state, and national levels. The evidence, to date, seems clear: brothers and sisters experience a wide range of emotions, but typically the positive feelings outweigh the negative ones. Further, siblings find rich value in having a family member with DS, and most will assume positions of advocacy at some level in their lives. Recommendations for physicians on how parents can nurture healthy relationships among their children are offered.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Prenatally diagnosed Down syndrome: mothers who continued their pregnancies evaluate their health care providers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to ask mothers who had children with Down syndrome after receiving a prenatal diagnosis: How was the process and what, if anything, could be improved? STUDY DESIGN: An 11-page survey was mailed to 2945 persons on the membership lists of 5 Down syndrome parent organizations. The survey gathered both quantitative and qualitative data from yes/no questions, open-ended questions, and a series of statements asking the mothers to rate their level of agreement on a 1-to-7 Likert scale. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Constant Comparative Method of Qualitative Analysis, and quantitative data were summarized using linear regressions, mixed stepwise multiple regressions, and grouped means, 1-way analysis of variance analyses. RESULTS: Of 1126 surveys received, 141 (12.5%) were from mothers who had received a prenatal diagnosis. Though satisfied with the care that they had received, the majority of respondents expressed frustration with the process. The most common suggestions were that the diagnosis be conveyed in person, that up-to-date printed materials on Down syndrome (DS) be provided, and that mothers be referred to local DS support groups. CONCLUSION: Receiving a prenatal diagnosis of DS need not be a negative experience. By implementing suggestions proposed herein by the mothers, health care providers can even make the situation a positive one.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Puzzling thoughts for H. M.: can new semantic information be anchored to old semantic memories?

Researchers currently debate whether new semantic knowledge can be learned and retrieved despite extensive damage to medial temporal lobe (MTL) structures. The authors explored whether H. M., a patient with amnesia, could acquire new semantic information in the context of his lifelong hobby of solving crossword puzzles. First, H. M. was tested on a series of word-skills tests believed important in solving crosswords. He also completed 3 new crosswords: 1 puzzle testing pre-1953 knowledge, another testing post-1953 knowledge, and another combining the 2 by giving postoperative semantic clues for preoperative answers. From the results, the authors concluded that H. M. can acquire new semantic knowledge, at least temporarily, when he can anchor it to mental representations established preoperatively.

Aged↗