Children with Disabilities

From The Critics

Reviewer: Arnold J. Capute, MD, MPH(Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)
Description: This is the fourth edition of a popular reference in the field of developmental disabilities. Since publication of the third edition in 1994, the length has doubled, the original subtitle, A Medical Primer, has been dropped, and it has become an edited text with almost 50 contributors.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide the wide range of individuals who care for children with developmental disabilities with the necessary background to understand the etiologies, manifestations, treatments, and outcomes of a wide variety of conditions. This goal is admirable, and the book is likely to more than adequately address the needs of the majority of readers.
Audience: The authors are respected professionals who have targeted a large and diverse audience that includes educators, advocates, allied health professionals, and physicians, as well as friends and family members of children with disabilities. They have created an accurate, well-balanced reference appropriate for professionals and others who care for children with developmental disabilities.
Features: Each chapter includes well-defined objectives and attractive, useful black-and-white illustrations. The text is traditionally referenced, with pertinent classic and current literature cited. The appendices include a thorough glossary, which will be especially helpful for non-physician readers, an excellent mini-review of over 150 inherited conditions associated with developmental disabilities, a list of commonly used medications complete with common side effects, and a noteworthy directory of national resources for children with disabilities and their families.
Assessment: Although it remains a primer, this text is a valuable resource that belongs on the bookshelf of all professionals who are involved with children with developmental disabilities. The chapters are amazingly lucid and coherent as they summarize the various developmental disorders and review the medical biology necessary to begin to understand the causes, manifestations, treatments, and outcomes of these conditions.

Arnold J. Capute

This is the fourth edition of a popular reference in the field of developmental disabilities. Since publication of the third edition in 1994, the length has doubled, the original subtitle, A Medical Primer, has been dropped, and it has become an edited text with almost 50 contributors. The purpose is to provide the wide range of individuals who care for children with developmental disabilities with the necessary background to understand the etiologies, manifestations, treatments, and outcomes of a wide variety of conditions. This goal is admirable, and the book is likely to more than adequately address the needs of the majority of readers. The authors are respected professionals who have targeted a large and diverse audience that includes educators, advocates, allied health professionals, and physicians, as well as friends and family members of children with disabilities. They have created an accurate, well-balanced reference appropriate for professionals and others who care for children with developmental disabilities. Each chapter includes well-defined objectives and attractive, useful black-and-white illustrations. The text is traditionally referenced, with pertinent classic and current literature cited. The appendices include a thorough glossary, which will be especially helpful for non-physician readers, an excellent mini-review of over 150 inherited conditions associated with developmental disabilities, a list of commonly used medications complete with common side effects, and a noteworthy directory of national resources for children with disabilities and their families. Although it remains a primer, this text is a valuable resource that belongs on thebookshelf of all professionals who are involved with children with developmental disabilities. The chapters are amazingly lucid and coherent as they summarize the various developmental disorders and review the medical biology necessary to begin to understand the causes, manifestations, treatments, and outcomes of these conditions.

Booknews

A reference for professionals, students, and families, covering aspects including genetics, heredity, pre- and postnatal development, specific disabilities, family roles, and intervention. Includes chapter goals and summaries, key terms, case studies, and a glossary. This fourth edition features new chapters on substance abuse, AIDS, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, behavior management, transition to adulthood, and health care in the 21st century, plus a new appendix on properties and uses of medications. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

The revised edition of Children with handicaps (1986) presents thorough, authoritative chapters on the basics of chromosomes, heredity, prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapy, growth before birth, and the first weeks of life, and continues with in-depth, yet accessible coverage of all types of disabilities and their management. Useful to a wide audience of professionals and parents, and impressive in its scope and conciseness. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

From The Critics

Written for developmental pediatricians, this introductory text brings a multi-disciplinary focus to the study of developmental, clinical, educational, family, and intervention issues. It explores the beginning of life from conception through childhood, identifying factors in each stage that can cause disability. Case studies illustrate key concepts. Appendices provide information on medications, resources, syndromes, and inborn errors of metabolism; a glossary defines key terms. Contributors include doctors with various specialties and experts in related fields. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

3 Stars from Doody