Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #240055 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 214 pages

About the Author
Mark Selikowitz is a consultant developmental paediatrician in Sydney. He is a former director of the child development unit at the Sydney Children's Hospital, and the author of several books on aspects of child development.

Customer Reviews

JJ's Mum thinks...
We have an 8 month old daughter affected by Down's & wanted some further information regarding the syndrome even though she is progressing fantastically well. This is the initial book for new parents recommended by Downs Syndrome Scotland, but I feel that this 2nd edition from 1997 is overdue for updating. It is written sympathetically, yet somehow fails to be overly optimistic in certain parts. For example knowledgable professionals would not now quote that it may take up to 10 years before most children affected by Downs will acheive the fine motor skill of drawing a recognisable human figure. The chapter re adolesence is the most outdated, suggesting that sexual comprehension is at age 5 or 6 in adolesents, plus a pet or babysitting may substitute a child of their own! Dispite these criticisms I have not yet found a significantly improved first book for parents. The initial chapters with the facts appear satisfactory and the chapter on early intervention is helpful. My advice would be by all means read it, but I found the more accurate & up to date information was supplied via the Downs Syndrome leaflet publications. It's high time we had an up to date, UK publication for new parents. Let us all know if it exists!