Review of PUT AWAY: A Sociological Study of Institutions for the Mentally Retarded and THE SEARCH FOR HELP: A Study of the Retarded Child in the Community

Reviews the books, Put Away: A Sociological Study of Institutions for the Mentally Retarded by Pauline Morris (see record 2006-21099-000) and The Search for Help: A Study of the Retarded Child in the Community by Jerry Jacobs (see record 1971-08810-000). The book presents a sociological study which is an excellent survey, well organized and adequately researched. The book represents a comprehensive and objective picture of institutions for the mentally retarded in England, known there as subnormality hospitals. The book carefully points out the difference between the potential for intervention in the area of mental retardation and the actuality and treatment of mental retardation. Another book deals with the problems of diagnosis, prognosis, education, and the impact of retardation upon the family. However, this book is not for the unsophisticated reader who is unable to separate, on his own, essential from non-essential information. The book severely criticizes special education programs at some places. One gets the impression that his conclusions were reached on the basis of generalizations and only limited acquaintance with special education. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)