Genetic and Acquired Disorders: Current Topics and Interventions for Educators

Educators often face the pressure to address children’s medical needs within the school setting, but sometimes find themselves having to make difficult decisions without adequate training, support, or information about important pediatric issues. When faced with a medical question, many may turn to the Internet where information is sometimes reliable, sometimes not. This concise and well-researched investigation into genetic and acquired health issues provides credibility and verifiability of data and establishes a foundation of confidence for any educator who must make policy, differentiate instruction, provide educational accommodations, offer special education services, collaborate with families, and work with the community to serve to children’s medical, physical, and psychological needs. Written for school psychologists, counsellors, administrators, and teachers, this highly practical and easy-to-understand reference describes genetic, chromosomal, and acquired disorders and discusses behavioural issues that may manifest themselves in classrooms as well as treatment options and intervention strategies. Readers will find: a section on chromosomal, genetic, and metabolic disorders covering topics such as phenylketonuria, the genetics of autism, the biology of shyness, and families of children with genetic disorders; a section on acquired disorders with chapters on prenatal alcohol exposure, prenatal exposure to antidepressants, celiac disease, maternal post-partum depression and behaviour problems, asthma and quality of life, food allergies in the classroom, and diabetes. Each chapter includes a case study, parent handouts, and a literature review based on the latest and best scientific research.