Excelling In Life With Down Syndrome

"Life expectancy for adults with Down syndrome has dramatically increased over the last 100 years. Many people with Down syndrome are now living into their 60's and 70's. Further, there has been a marked social shift in people with Down syndrome no longer living in large impersonal institutions but now living in the community, often within their family homes or independently. Children are becoming literate and adolescents are acquiring professions and hobbies. This integration into society results in a higher quality of life. Many previously published textbooks have reviewed the medical and psychological conditions associated with Down syndrome. This book aims to highlight the more positive aspects of the life of people with Down syndrome. Fruitful examples, such as the Special Olympics, camping, arts, digital literacy and citizenship actions are included. The book presents early childhood interventions, transition of children to adults, experience with PALS programs, the role of positive behavior support and self-directed support, and finally optimal aging. The aim of this book is primarily to educate families, carers and professionals that people with Down syndrome can achieve excellent well-being in physical, mental and spiritual domains. One's ability to maximize their own well-being is a human right which also reduces risks and costs associated with mental illness. We hope this book highlights the importance for children and adults with Down syndrome to be seen as valued citizens of their community and allows their voices to be heard"--

This book promotes a positive message for people with Down syndrome across the world. Living with Down Syndrome is a positive experience for the majority of children and adults with Down syndrome, and for their families. Of course there are difficulties to be faced, but quality of life, from infancy to old age, is determined more by the quality of healthcare, education and social inclusion offered to individuals, than by the developmental difficulties that are associated with Down syndrome. The aim of this book is to bring the latest information on research and good practice to families, practitioners and policy makers in order improve the services available to individuals with Down syndrome in all countries.

Part of the Down Syndrome Issues and Information Adult Living series, this book takes a lifespan perspective, and considers how experiences in the past and in the present will impact on choices, opportunities and development in the future.

Behavior issues in children with Down syndrome can quickly become engrained, which means short-term problems often develop into bad habits that are difficult to change. This new book by pediatric psychologist Dr. David Stein looks at how the brain of a person with Down syndrome works, why those differences impact behavior, and how to address these problems using his positive behavior approach designed specifically for children and teens with Down syndrome. Book jacket.

Down Syndrome: A Promising Future, Together provides a comprehensive and up-to-date look at life with Down syndrome. Designed to meet the needs of parents and professionals alike, this edited volume addresses a variety of critical medical, developmental, educational, and vocational issues. It discusses current trends and presents the most recent update of the Health Care Guidelines for Individuals with Down Syndrome: Down Syndrome Preventative Medical Check List, which groups by age medical assessments and other important information. Also covered are the controversial and high-profile issues surrounding alternative and nonconventional therapies. The book concludes with the personal stories of young adults with Down syndrome, including an account by Chris Burke of the television series Life Goes On. Filled with practical advice from leading practitioners and advocates in the field, Down Syndrome: A Promising Future, Together is an essential reference for families of people with Down syndrome, for primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals, and for researchers, educators, social workers, early intervention workers, and students.