Mental Wellness in Adults With Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional And Behavioral Strengths And Challenges Paperback – July 1, 2006

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!!!

This was recommended to me by the sister of an elderly person with Down Syndrome and I have absolutely been floored by it. It's challenging to find resources to help people who have "dual diagnoses" and this is one of the most comprehensive that I've come around. To top it all off, it's tone is pragmatic but positive. This is great for anyone who cares with someone with Down Syndrome, particularly with a "dual diagnosis" of mental illness or ASD. There's a lot here that has broader relevance and which is applicable to anyone caring for someone with an intellectual disability. The section on memory is a great example of why I found this invaluable; it addresses the different types of memory, identified strengths and weaknesses, and outlined what each might look like in real life. Please, more like this.

I think this is a great book for anyone who lives or works with adolescents or adults with Down Syndrome. My daughter, almost 19, never fit the typical Down Syndrome children are angels always so loving mold. This book helped to explain why in a way that I could understand. We are still going through a painful rough ride, but this book gives me information ( empowerment) that we will survive the rocky road and get to a place of peace. I also bought a copy for her teacher who has been teaching for over 20 years and she loved it as well. She has started loaning out her copy to parents who might not be able to afford their own copy. After she told me this I bought 2 more copy's so that anyone who wants access to this great book can have it. A definite 'MUST HAVE' for parents of young adults with Down Syndrome.

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.

I first found this book at the library, I loved it so much I bought it here! As a parent of a teen with ds, it has so much needed information! It has what no other book has, information on their quirks and helps explain that it's common or "normal". It also answered my questions about what's to come as they enter high school and transition to work. It actually changed my focus from inclusion in the academic classrooms to functional skill building and job experience. It gave valuable advice on how get peer interaction and inclusion in the school community by working/volunteering in the lunch room, student store, office, running errands for teachers, going to the games, dances, etc.

Written in a readable and engaging style, this book hits the nail on the head for parents and caregivers who interact regularly with adults with Down Syndrome. It covers every area of concern with insights and tips, and highlights positive approaches to each one. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in advocating for or simply enjoying the quirky ways of the DS population. We recently brought my brother with DS home to live with us and this book has been an invaluable tool in understanding and appreciating him as well as pointing us in the right direction for support and care.

I have a 23 year old son with Down Syndrome and this was a great read. There was a lot of information that was both informative and that I had not seen discussed (or at least not so well) before as well as some information that was just comforting... an aha... that really is just a normal DS thing... this book should be in everybody's DS library.

Proved quite helpful. Recommend to those with special needs young men and women.

This is a great book for explaining the complexities and the mental challenges adults with Down Syndrome face and is very helpful guidance to Psychologists, Caregivers and parents.

Very informative, easy to read and equally easy to understand.

Very helpful book for carers of adults with Down Syndrome. I have already used some of the guides & given recommendations to providers that support our family from the book.

I have a son with Down Syndrome and work in the field. I knew a lot of the information but this book provided the extra that really helps to create the right programs or the right approach with the individual people.

This book was a gift for someone who has found it an invaluable tool in her work. It gives a good incite into some of the problems that care workers can come across and use as one of their tools to create a better environment for their patients.