Children with Spina Bifida A Parents' Guide

Now thoroughly revised and updated, Children with Spina Bifida -- the complete and highly acclaimed guide for parents and professionals -- is available in a new edition. Children with this congenital condition, which occurs in approximately 1 out of 1,000 births, can have complex medical and therapeutic needs. Every aspect of their care and development from birth to age six is covered in this comprehensive resource. Chapters focus on specific issues, such as: Causes of spina bifida; Prenatal diagnosis; Neurosurgery; Urological and bowel management; Orthopaedic concerns; Physical therapy; Common medical problems; Development; Day-to-day parenting issues; Education and accommodations; A child's emotional health; Legal rights and hurdles; Perspectives from adolescents and adults with spina bifida. New to this edition is the latest information on research and medical advancements on spina bifida, including prenatal testing and surgery; new treatments and medications; the link between low folic acid levels and spina bifida; new rating systems for assessing mobility; an overview of orthotics and wheelchair options; changes to federal education law (IDEA); and much more. It also features a resource guide, glossary of terms, and dozens of delightful photographs of children with spina bifida.