The Guide to Good Health for Teens & Adults with Down Syndrome

by Dennis McGuire and Brian Chicoine

Book Overview

Translation of: Mental wellness in adults with Down syndrome. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1890627895
• ISBN13: 9781890627898
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: Woodbine House
• Length: 391 Pages
• Weight: 1.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.9" x 9.8"

Customer Reviews

It about time.

Adults with Down Syndrome are often misunderstood and a lack of patience on the part of the listener adds to the frustration. This authoritative book written by physicians provides accurate information for parents, caregivers, physicians, teachers and anyone needing to better understand persons with Down Syndrome. Although I have found the information very helpful in understanding some reasons why persons with Down Syndrome have characteristic needs and behaviors, I fear that the use of this information could lead to an over generalization and dismissal of behavior simply as a part of the Down Syndrome. To the credit of the authors, the book talks about this issue and appropriately supports the attitude of treating persons with Down Syndrome as individuals and looking for personal histories when trying to understand their needs. The infomation provided gives us many things to consider when trying to understand a person with Down Syndrome. I would whole heartedly recommend this book. It is about time this information came out in a very easy to read and well organized manner.

Insight at Last!

Ever since we were kids, I've been told my brother wouldn't live much longer. He's 18 months older than I am and has Down Syndrome. First the doctors said he wouldn't live past 10. Then he was expected to die before the age of 20. He did have some health problems, but none were life-threatening, and he grew up to be strong and athletic. Then, as he reached 40, I read reports claiming that "all" adults with DS would develop Alzheimer's Disease, usually in their 40s. This was an awful prospect! But now, at 53, he continues to be much the same - a little more set in his ways, perhaps - but healthy, capable, and active. When I learned about the book, "Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome", I ordered it immediately and have read it with great interest. It was fascinating to learn that adults with DS are no more likely to die young than anyone else, as long as they receive appropriate medical care, and that the incidence of Alzheimer's in this population is no more common that in the general population. Rather, it has been common for health issues to be ignored or not treated because they are often attributed to Down Syndrome instead of a treatable condition. And misunderstandings in the medical community of what is normal mental functioning in adults with DS have led to misdiagnoses of Alzheimers in many cases. This book has been a real eye-opener for me, and helped me understand my brother and appreciate him even more. It's about time!!!

Should be required reading

This book is excellent and would benefit anyone working with or parenting an individual with Down Syndrome, Even many of the younger ones. I can see my daughter in many of the situations and some have occured for many years and I did not realize that it was so typical.It reassuring that some of the actions and behaviors we see are quite similar to others.

Essential Resource for Parents, Health Care Professionals, and Direct Support Proviers!

There are none better than Brian Chicoine, MD and Dennis McGuire, Ph.D to write a comprehensive book regarding adults with Down syndrome. The information in this book is founded by research of literature, discussions with experts from around the world, and from hands-on care for over 3000 unique adults with Down syndrome from across the country. The authors are the life-blood of the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Dempster, IL - a one-of-a-kind clinic - and are two people who are doing this work for all the right reasons. In this book you will read their thoughtful review of difficult topics from literature and day-to-day intereactions with adults with Down syndrome, young and old, their parents, guardians, and care givers. They raise interesting questions about "the right to choose" and the incidence of Alzheimer disease in people with Down syndrome. Most of all, they share what they have learned in the hopes that this information can shape the course of medical care for people with Down syndrome in a positive, proactive manner. There is much to learn here - from two of the most compassionate, caring, and most intelligent people working in the "area" of Down syndrome today. You will not be disappointed.

A Must Have for Parents and Professionals

I am the mother of a 34 year old daughter with Down syndrome, and this is one of the best books on DS that I have ever seen. It is well written in understandable language and offers practical suggestions and steps to take. The authors of this book have worked with thousands of adults with Down syndrome at the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Illinois, and they really know their stuff. The book touches on all aspects of life for adolescents and adults with DS. There is a lot on what factors influence well-being and how physical problems can affect behavior. It addresses when things are "normal" and when to worry. The book is well organized, so you can go to the sections that apply to your situation. And if the person in your life with DS doesn't have any behavioral issues now, this book can help you keep it that way. I highly recommend this book.