Educating Children with Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome (also Known as 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and DiGeorge Syndrome)

The Third Editon will be released in January. 

Velo-cardio-facial-syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome, is relatively new--the genetic test to determine if a child has it has only been available since 1994. Educating Children with Velo-Cardio Facial Syndrome (also Known as 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and DiGeorge Syndrome), Second Edition effectively blends the thoughtful research that has transpired within the past 15 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 and 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.

For the second edition, the author has added fresh and updated content. A partial list of new material includes:

• The most recent research and studies to make the text as up-to-date as possible
• Expanded and enhanced coverage of bullying and the social/emotional aspects of VCFS
• More information on common core standards and standardized testing for children with disabilities
• Homeschooling and other placement alternatives
• Executive functioning deficits and their impact in the classroom
• Dealing with problem behaviors
• Issues related to anxiety and school success
• Cognitive remediation and new treatment strategies
• New math and reading remediation techniques
• Expanded section on the very young child

With its expanded content, as well as contributions from some of the most highly regarded experts in the field, Educating Children with Velo-Cardio Facial Syndrome (also Known as 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and DiGeorge Syndrome), Second Edition is an essential resource for teachers, parents, physicians, and therapists of children with velo-cardio-facial-syndrome.

Reviews

"As a parent and an occupational therapist, I recommend this resource about a rare condition that may require occupational therapy input for physical, cognitive, and possibly psychiatric reasons. The book has two parts: The first is scientific studies, and the second is educational interventions and evaluation of effective practices. Functional insights are specified from birth to adulthood.

...The editor is both a mother and a teacher with 38 years of experience. As an American, she provides extensive American resources as well as valuable contact information for centers of excellence in six other countries. I recommend this book for educators and for occupational therapists who work in mental health, pediatrics, and schools. As a parent of a child with this condition, I found it helpful and other parents may as well."
—Jude A. Driscoll OT Reg.(PEI), Registered Occupational Therapist, TRE Facilitator Level I and II, in the Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy (2013)

"This book had the ambitious goal of education the public and professionals about this syndrome and improving the lives of those affected by it. It is no mean feat that [largely] it succeeds. The first part provides an overview of the condition; the second focuses on classroom interventions. Recognized experts in the field write the background chapters...The second section on educational interventions is very practice and provides a wealth of advice that would benefit parents, educational staff and SLTs. The author is often at pains to point out the lack of evidence for advocated interventions in this condition but extrapolates from other related fields to make reasonable suggestions...[T]his remains a valuable resource."
—Anny Mayne, Specialist SLT, North Thames Regional Cleft Lip and Palate Service, in the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Bulletin (July 2013)

Preface
Introduction
Teacher Awareness Questionnaire
Acknowledgments
Contributors

PART 1: SCIENTIFIC STUDIES AND OVERVIEW OF THE SYNDROME

1. Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome: Past, Present, and Future
Robert J. Shprintzen, PhD
2. Introduction to Education and the Neurocognitive Profile
Donna Cutler-Landsman, M.S., Tony J. Simon, PhD, and Wendy Kates, PhD
3. Cognition and the VCFS Brain: The Implications of Syndrome-Specific Deficits for School Performance
Bronwyn Glaser, MS and Stephan Eliez, MD
4. Psychiatric Disorders and Treatment in Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome
Doron Gothelf, MD, Merav Burg, MA and Moran Zalevsky, BA
5. Communication in Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome
Karen Golding-Kushner, PhD
6. Childhood Illness in Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome and its Impact on School Attendance and Performance
Anne Marie Higgins, RN, FNP, MA

PART II: EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS AND EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVE PRACTICES
Donna Cutler-Landsman, MS

7. The Early Years: Birth to 3 Programs
8. Getting Ready for School: Preschool (Ages 3—5)
9. Entering a Formal School Education Program
10. Building the Foundation: Kindergarten through Second Grade (Ages 5—7)
11. Gaining Expertise: Upper Elementary Grades Three through Five (Ages 8—11)
12. Exploring New Horizons: Middle School (Ages 11—14)
13. Choices and Future Goals: High School (Ages 14—18)
14. Transition to Adulthood: A Model Program (Ages 18—21)
15. Conclusion

Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Index