Down Syndrome »

Dr Mark Selikowitz is a consultant developmental paediatrician based in Sydney, Australia. He has extensive experience of treating children with developmental problems and is the author of several other books, including "Dyslexia and Other Learning Difficulties: The Facts" (OUP, 1998) and "ADHD: The Facts" (OUP, 2004).

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.

1 The first days are the hardest 1

2 Coping with family and friends 13

3 What is Down syndrome? 25

4 How Down syndrome comes about 33

5 Your child's development 43

6 Your child's health 65

7 The heart 85

8 Your child's behaviour 93

9 A guide to services 105

10 Assessment 113

11 Early intervention and pre-school groups 123

12 Which school? 135

13 Adolescence 145

14 Adulthood 157

15 Controversial treatments 177

16 Future pregnancies 185

Conclusions 195

Further reading 197

Appendix Useful addresses 199

Index 201