Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges

by Dennis McGuire, Brian Chicoine

This thoroughly updated second edition of Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome is upbeat and accessible in tone, yet encyclopedic in scope. The size of the book reflects both the breadth of the authors’ knowledge―acquired as cofounders of the first medical clinic dedicated solely to the care of adults with Down syndrome―and the number of psychosocial issues and mental disorders that can affect people with Down syndrome. It’s the go-to guide for parents, health practitioners, and caregivers who support teens and adults with Down syndrome. Mental Wellness emphasizes that understanding and appreciating both the strengths and challenges of people with Down syndrome is the key to promoting good mental health. It shows readers how to distinguish between bona fide mental health issues and common characteristics of Down syndrome―quirks or coping strategies. For example, although talking to oneself can be a sign of psychosis, many adults with Down syndrome use self-talk as an effective problem-solving strategy. The second edition includes new chapters on sensory issues (written by Dr. Katie Frank) and regression, expanded and now separate chapters on communication, concrete thinking, and visual memory, and an extensively updated chapter on Alzheimer’s disease citing abundant new research. Other chapters cover a range of conditions and assessment and treatment What Is Normal?
Self-Esteem & Self-Image
Self-Talk
Grooves & Flexibility
Life-Span Issues
Social Skills
Mood & Anxiety Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Psychotic Disorders
Eating Refusal
Challenging Behavior
Self-Injurious Behavior
Autism
Tics, Tourette Syndrome & Stereotypies While it's not inevitable that people with Down syndrome will experience mental health problems, certain biological differences and environmental stressors can create greater susceptibility. Assessment and treatment options are detailed for each condition. With this guide, caregivers will be able to help foster good mental health practices and troubleshoot challenging mental health issues.

Genres: Psychology

Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2006