When Your Child Has a Disability: The Complete Sourcebook of Daily and Medical Care, rev. ed.

When Your Child Has a Disability: The Complete Sourcebook of Daily and Medical Care, Revised Edition Batshaw ML, ed. Baltimore, MD 21285, Paul H Brookes Publishing Co, 2001, paperback, 467 pp, illus, ISBN: 1-55766-472-2, $22.95.

This revised and expanded edition is a medical and educational resource guide for parents of children with developmental disabilities. The book is divided into 4 sections. The first section, "Getting the Diagnosis" (4 chapters), discusses the initial reactions of parents whose child has a disability, describes how to obtain appropriate medical services, and provides a general explanation of the causes of developmental disability with a brief overview of general development. The following section, "Growing Up With a Disability" (9 chapters), introduces all the issues that parents confront following the birth of their child with a developmental disability. Medical issues ranging from medications to nutritional and dental needs are discussed along with early intervention, education, and legal rights. Rehabilitation therapies (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy) are introduced in this section.

Twelve chapters comprise the third section, "Developmental Disabilities," and they explore 12 diagnoses in more detail. These diagnoses, all of which are pertinent to the physical therapist, include mental retardation, Down syndrome, other genetic syndromes, spina bifida, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, communication disorders, eye disorders and visual impairments, autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities. The last 3 chapters, in a section titled "What the Future Holds," explore genetic counseling and changes in the health care system and provide a brief look at adulthood.

Each chapter in this book has a consistent format: a simple introduction of the issues to be discussed, a vignette about a child whose condition is pertinent to the chapter, sections detailing the information, and frequently asked questions. A detailed bibliography at the end of the book (organized by chapter) cites books and organizations (with Web addresses) that will be helpful to parents. Thirty-five authors, including the editor, have contributed to this edition; therefore, each chapter varies with the author and in the amount of information given. Many chapters have helpful figures. For example, the figure explaining the differences among the rehabilitation therapies will be very helpful to the parent whose child is entering an early intervention program. The figure "Commonly Used Medications" is especially useful for the physical therapist and family who confront complex medical issues. The figure listing medications with trade names according to usage is exceptionally thorough.

The physical therapist will find some of the chapters on specific developmental disabilities more comprehensive and explanatory than others. For example, the chapter on spina bifida includes how to test for shunt failure, the various levels of spinal involvement with functional prognosis, and how the physician tests the various body functions. On the other hand, the chapter on cerebral palsy is very brief and explained from a medical point of view. The role of the physical therapist in the postsurgical care of a child with cerebral palsy is not specifically mentioned, and the one paragraph discussing physical therapy for the management of spasticity (page 283) does not predict optimistic outcomes. There are gaps where a physical therapist might want a more intensive discussion or more pictures for the parents. There are only the briefest references about adolescence, and these are spread throughout the text. Transition planning is discussed in the last chapter, but other issues of young adulthood are only briefly mentioned. On the other hand, the professional will find very good question lists for parents who want to find a good insurance plan, ensure continuity, find caregivers, solve problems, and control costs. The resources listed at the end are extensive. Thus, the book as a whole gives reasons for parents to have an active role in the care of their child.

When Your Child Has a Disability fulfills its goals as an introductory text for educating parents. Although it is not all-inclusive in every area of medical and educational intervention across the life span, the book's general explanations are easily readable for parents. The pediatric physical therapist might have this book on a resource shelf for parents. It is up-to-date and reassuring because of its broad spectrum of information.

Diana Nathan Goldstein, PT
Pediatric Physical Therapy Inc
Concord, NH

Ms Goldstein works in a variety of pediatric practice settings across central New Hampshire.