Babies With Down Syndrome: A New Parents' Guide

by Susan Skallerup (Editor)

(2009 IPPY Award Silver Medalist, Parenting/Family category) Babies with Down Syndrome , the trustworthy guide which has benefited thousands of families since it was first published in 1985, is completely revised and updated in a new, third edition. Covering the best practices for raising and caring for children with Down syndrome through age five, this book is invaluable to new parents who have welcomed a baby with Down syndrome into their lives. This new edition incorporates the latest scientific, medical, educational research, and practical information available, as well as parents' suggestions and feedback. Existing chapters have been revised, some completely rewritten by new authors, and in keeping with its parent-friendly reputation, most of the book's contributors are parents of children with Down syndrome. Chapters What Is Down Syndrome?: A primer on the causes, characteristics, and diagnosis, including the latest information on genetics and prenatal testing; Adjusting to Your Advice from an experienced mother on coping with common emotions and announcing the news to friends and family; Medical Concerns & An overview of possible health issues including celiac disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, reflux, and skin problems, with an emphasis on detecting signs early for needed treatment; Daily The gamut of care from feeding to bathing, with expanded information about toilet training; Family The impact on siblings and couples, discipline issues, and new material to help everyone understand that a child s behavior is a form of communication; Development & Expectations about development plus new material on variability in development, learning styles, using reading to develop language, memory strengths and weaknesses, and using play to encourage learning; Early An overview of services and therapies for babies & toddlers with new information on the transdisciplinary approach, providing services in the natural environment, transitioning to preschool, and common questions & answers; Legal Rights & Financial Explains your child's educational and legal rights, and financial information, including the latest on federal education and civil rights laws, sources of financial assistance, health insurance, trusts, and guardianship. Full of new photos, parent statements, updated and expanded resources and reading lists, and a reprint of the inspiring essay, Welcome to Holland, this guide is everything parents need to build a bright and healthy future for their child with Down syndrome.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

358 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2008

Reviews

[Sarah Stainbrook]

Incredibly useful information, both now and for future reference!

[Brittany]

An invaluable resource for any parent who learns their child has Down syndrome.

Since most of the people who read this book will be parents to an unborn child or an infant, it's really encouraging to read the forward by Mitchell Levitz, a man with Down syndrome himself.

The internet can provide you with nearly as much information on Down syndrome, but this really pinpoints for those who're expecting their child or have just given birth to a child with Down syndrome. The efforts the publisher has made to make this book "real" was well worth it. You're able to read the opinions, emotions and experiences of other parents and learn that everything you feel now and may feel or experience in the future is okay. Although it's not a book for just comfort, it does provide as much through the detailed information from gross motor skills, what to expect, etc.

The book really accomplishes the fine goal of assisting new parents back into the world of being excited about their baby.

While all that is accomplished, the book also provides insurmountable information at your fingertips about countless things. Any questions I ever had after my amniocentesis came back positive for trisomy 21 -- I have found answers to in this book. Really remarkable guide.

[Hotlunchbox]

Much better than the second edition (that I got handed while being shown the door), but then I could be biased due to the pics. It's my first published photo credit--wow, am I honored--and JH is inside 7 more times. I sure hope we can help parents and babies land more gently than we did.

[Stephanie]

Various experts write chapter for new parents of children with Down Syndrome. Parents also weigh in.

[LaDonna Harris]

I appreciated the collection of information. As a mom of a new baby, newly diagnosed I found it overwhelming to focus so much on what could go wrong.

[Emily]

A must read to any parent of a baby with down syndrome. It's very informative & helpful. I highly recommend this book

[Becky]

An excellent resource - well-written and organized, and as the sub-title indicates, a complete, compassionate guide to the first five years if the life of a child with Down Syndrome.

[Penny Bohn]

I learned so much by reading this book. Everything I should know about my baby's health.

[Susan]

An excellent resource

[Alix Oates]

Awesome resource.

[Christen Sarah]

Very helpful to give me an idea of what to expect in the years to come.

[Christine]

Great as a resource... comparable to "What to Expect..."

[Tricia Price]

Lots of good information, especially about special education and legal issues. Also an excellent reading list at the end. Glad I own a copy of this to refer back to.

[Teresa Parker]

Great information and help for new parents and up to the start of school, highly recommended!