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.

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Understanding Adult Down Syndrome behavior

A must for parents and providers. A totally complete work which provides understanding of Adults with Down Syndrome. Each behavior we have experienced in our family is covered in detail.

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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!!!

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