Down Syndrome (Thefacts)

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.

Table of Contents:
1. The first days are the hardest; 2. Coping with family and friends; 3. What is Down syndrome?; 4. How Down syndrome comes about; 5. Your child's development; 6. Your child's health; 7. The heart; 8. Your child's behaviour; 9. A guide to services; 10. Assessment; 11. Early intervention and pre-school groups; 12. Which school?; 13. Adolescence; 14. Adulthood; 15. Controversial treatments; 16. Future pregnancies; CONCLUSION; USEFUL RESOURCES AND FURTHER READING