There is nothing my youngest son Mark likes more than a playful interaction with a friendly partner!
     While I was in the kitchen recently, I heard him in the living room saying the words to one of his favorite games. "Ready Riley? Duck, duck, duck, goose! Run, Riley, run!"
     Mark is five years old and has Down syndrome. Riley is a one-year-old Golden Retriever.
     I can smile about this now, but I remember very well wondering if Mark would ever stop pointing and saying "ba" when he wanted a drink. I was so worried!
     When he was two, I learned about the ECO program and its practical principles of communication development. I started changing the ways we played together. The new ideas were so easy, I used these strategies as much as possible with him. I still do.
     I found the information and encouragement that I needed. I hope that our newsletter will do the same for you.
     Please write and tell us how you play and communicate with your child. Share with other parents what has worked for you and what hasn't.