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Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic condition which causes varying degrees of learning disability as well as other health problems. Nearly one baby in every 1000 born in the UK has the condition. Parents are often frightened and confused by the birth of a baby with Down syndrome, and they need reassurance as well as up-to-date information regarding the condition.
The new edition of this highly regarded book for parents of children with Down syndrome covers a number of important new developments in research and clinical practice that have occurred in the field in recent years. These include several newly recognised medical conditions that are known to occur more commonly in patients with Down syndrome, for example, glaucoma, gastrointestinal malformations, feeding difficulties, gastro-oesophageal reflux, coeliac disease, and diabetes. This expanded edition also includes new recommendations regarding routine health checks in line with those of the UK Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (UKDSMIG). Additionally the book covers new prenatal screening methods which have been developed to identify Down syndrome during pregnancy.
The new edition of this highly regarded book for parents of children with Down syndrome covers a number of important new developments in research and clinical practice that have occurred in the field in recent years. These include several newly recognised medical conditions that are known to occur more commonly in patients with Down syndrome, for example, glaucoma, gastrointestinal malformations, feeding difficulties, gastro-oesophageal reflux, coeliac disease, and diabetes. This expanded edition also includes new recommendations regarding routine health checks in line with those of the UK Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (UKDSMIG). Additionally the book covers new prenatal screening methods which have been developed to identify Down syndrome during pregnancy.
232 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2008
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November 26, 2019
Here's a book written for parents and carers, so it mainly adresses children development, behaviours, potential health issues (those risks are higher among children with Down Syndrome than others), and, the various services accessible - interventions programs, various types of pre-schools and schools settings (a part I personally found quite weak, since the author is based in Australia and so couldn't be as informative when it comes to other countries). It also doesn't shy away from blunt topics - eg. sexuality, so-called 'treatments' (to be clear: Down Syndrome cannot be 'cured') - an approach which some parents might find as a welcome help and relief.
Its main appeal is its strong positive outlook. Not only Mark Selikowitz, a Paediatrician, doesn't limit such people's personalities and temperaments to the syndrome (recognising thus the individuality of each child affected) but, although he gives advices to parents, he doesn't patronise them. On the contrary, as a professional he freely acknowledges what he owes them. Were it not for parents refusing the past medical model of disability, clinicians wouldn't have the outlook they now have on Down Syndrome. They know better than they might think; so he encourages them to just deal with their child the way they would deal with any normal child that is, by 'providing them with a caring and stimulating environment in which to grow and learn'. Apart from specific health-related risks to look for, it will be just fine!
As stated on the back cover, this book is indeed a 'positive, practical, and comprehensive guide'. If you are a parent, then it might worth a read.
Its main appeal is its strong positive outlook. Not only Mark Selikowitz, a Paediatrician, doesn't limit such people's personalities and temperaments to the syndrome (recognising thus the individuality of each child affected) but, although he gives advices to parents, he doesn't patronise them. On the contrary, as a professional he freely acknowledges what he owes them. Were it not for parents refusing the past medical model of disability, clinicians wouldn't have the outlook they now have on Down Syndrome. They know better than they might think; so he encourages them to just deal with their child the way they would deal with any normal child that is, by 'providing them with a caring and stimulating environment in which to grow and learn'. Apart from specific health-related risks to look for, it will be just fine!
As stated on the back cover, this book is indeed a 'positive, practical, and comprehensive guide'. If you are a parent, then it might worth a read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review