Effects of physicians' early parental counseling on rearing of Down syndrome children.

A survey of the feelings of 37 couples with a school-age Down syndrome child born since 1970 suggested a diminished influence of physicians' early counseling on parental decisions, attitudes, and rearing practices respecting their affected child. In contrast, undefined "personal feelings," own research, and input from community parent groups (such as the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens) were major influences. Parental decisions on further reproduction after the birth of a Down syndrome child was based less on perception of genetic risks than on concern for the care needs of their affected child.