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     Janice Houska was born in Massachusetts, but has lived in North Dakota all of her adult life.  She is the author of several children's books before writing "For the Love of Matthew" Growing Up With Down syndrome.  This book was written seventeen years after her youngest son was born with Down syndrome.   Unable to find books that were encouraging or helpful, she decided to document everything she did to teach her son.  With a degree in elementary education from the University of North Dakota, she used her knowledge and experience to help Matthew grow and mature into an independent and valuable member of society.  Matthew also has a substantial hearing loss and has limited speech, but he has developed his love of music into playing the piano, guitar, harmonica, saxophone, xzylophone and drums.  He plays in public and has two CDs available at his website at www.matthouska.com.  

Ms Houska speaks to groups about her experiences with Matthew and is always available to correspond with parents who are struggling with issues connected with having a child with a disability.