Children With Fragile X Syndrome: A Parent's Guide.

Children With Fragile X Syndrome: A Parent's Guide Weber JD, ed. Bethesda, MD 20817-1636, Woodbine House Inc, 2000, paperback, 412 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-933149-77-8, $17.95.

This text is called a parents' guide; the word "complete," however, has been left out of the title. It is complete because of the information it presents and because of the resource guide at the back of the book. This text is highly recommended for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants for their own use and to share with families whose children have this disorder and the caregivers who work with them.

The resource guide at the end of the book contains extensive and easy-to-read information on organizations concerned with fragile X syndrome, other national sources of information (including Web sites) on a variety of topics pertaining to disabilities, sources of hard-to-find toys and therapy equipment, and a suggested school curriculum for children with fragile X syndrome.

Another example of the book's complete coverage is the inclusion of a segment on the goals of individualized education plans (IEP) and other school-related issues found in chapter 8, "Education." This chapter addresses legal rights, school programs and process, and educational issues such as behavior and transition planning.

Most chapters include parent statements that are related to the content of the chapter. These statements add to the usefulness of the text by making the information personal and by showing how raising a child with fragile X syndrome requires constant, day-and-night attention.

Each of the book's 10 chapters provides the reader with sufficient and accurate content. The chapter titled "Your Emotions" includes a simple tool for tracking emotions. Any clinician who reads this text would benefit from this exercise and could use it as a team-building exercise with other members of the care team and with family members.

Contributing authors of the text include the editor, parents, and physicians and other health care professionals with expertise related to the subject matter.

The text is thorough, concise, and very readable. It should prove to be a ready reference and could be used as a resource for the care of children with many types of special needs.

Janet Sternat, PT CESA #12 Ashland, Wis

Ms Sternat is currently working in the public school setting, providing direct services to children from birth to 21 years of age. Ms Sternat is the founder of Have-A-Heart Inc, which provides respite care and support services to children with disabilities.