Educating Children with Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome

REVIEWS
"The book is well organized and while one can access just the chapters that are related to their child's age, information in other chapters can be quite useful regardless of the child's grade in school... This is an excellent book to help professionals, educators and parent better understand VCFS and the educational needs of these students."

ABOUT THE BOOK
Velo-cardio-facial-syndrome is a relatively new syndrome — the genetic test to determine if a child has it has only been available since 1994. There are currently no books available to address the educational needs of this population, yet virtually 100% of children with Velo-cardio-facial-syndrome need special educational programming. This new book effectively blends the thoughtful research that has transpired within the past 10 years with practical and current educational strategies to better meet the needs of children with VCFS and other developmental disabilities. To first address the scientific information that is needed to understand the syndrome and the implications of current research, expert contributors present the results of studies involving brain abnormalities, language/learning profiles, psychiatric/behavioral difficulties. These valuable chapters are written in a reader-friendly manner to help parents, professionals, and teachers gain useful and necessary comprehension of the unique characteristics of the VCFS population.

The second part of the book is a practical guide to educating a child with VCFS from birth through adulthood. Divided into the various stages of development from preschool to adulthood, it includes information regarding the necessary tests special education teams should run, typical difficulties associated with learning, changes that occur with ability as the child matures (drop in IQ scores and increased learning challenges), as well as behavioral problems in the school setting. Each section includes discussions of the learning challenges and accommodations that can be used at school and at home during that stage of maturity. The authors also present meaningful advice on issues such as friendships, private vs. public school placement, job training, and other pertinent decisions that affect the VCFS child’s everyday life. A pioneer of its kind, this book is an essential resource for teachers, parents, physicians, and therapists of children with Velo-cardio-facial-syndrome.

CONTENTS

• Preface.
• Introduction.
• Teacher Awareness Questionnaire.
• Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome: Past Present and Future: Robert J. Shprintzen, Ph.D.
• Intro to Education and the Neuro-cognitive Profile: Donna Cutler-Landsman, M.S., Dr. Tony Simon, Dr. Wendy Kates.
• Cognition and the VCFS Brain: The implications of syndrome-Specific deficits for school performance: Bronwyn Glaser, M.S., Stephan Eliez M.D.
• Psychiatirc disorders and treatment in velo-cardio-facial syndrome: Doron Gothelf, M.D., Merav Brug, M.A.
• Speech and Language Therapy: Karen Golding Kushner, Ph.D.
• Immunology and Chronic Health Difficulties: Anne Marie Higgins, R.N., F.N.P., M.A.
• Part 2 Educational Interventions: Donna Cutler-Landsman, M.S.
• The Early Years: Birth to Three Programs.
• Getting Ready for School Pre School, Ages 3-5. Entering a Formal School Program.
• Building the Foundation: Kindergarten through 2nd grade (Ages 5 to 7).
• Gaining Expertise; Upper Elementary Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-11).
• Exploring New Horizons: Middle School (Ages 11-14).
• Choices and Future Goals: High School (Ages 14-18).
• Transition to Adulthood—A Model Program (Ages 18 to 21).
• Conclusion.
• Appendices.
• References.
• Index.

AUDIENCE
Primary: Speech-Language Pathology