Book Description

This book is written for parents, grandparents, medical staff and caregivers of people with Down syndrome; undergraduate students and young researchers in the field of intellectual disabilities, to give a broad coverage of Down syndrome, showing the latest advances and the changes in its perception, based on practice, personal experience and research.Down syndrome is discussed throughout the lifespan - from birth to old age, in the family and community. The issues of friendship, school and employment as well as health in its broadest sense and the challenges of ageing are reviewed. The application of policies based on both the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the concept of quality of life is also considered. Genetics is often misunderstood, so a simple explanation is given in terms of a condition that occurs naturally as a result of billions of years of evolution.The variability of people with Down syndrome is exemplified with cases from various parts of the world that have been successful in their lives and in their activities. The book is summarised with an optimistic photo essay.It contains an abundant bibliography both historical and recent.This book, originally published in Spanish, was translated to benefit a wider range of readers in need of a rigorous exposition of Down syndrome in accessible terms, including those whose English is their second language.