Klappentext

Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities is a powerful collection of narrative clinical stories drawn from the long career of developmental pediatrician Dr. Alfred L Scherzer. Focused on children with disabilities and their families, each chapter includes a pediatrician's perspective, a real-life story, and reflective commentary. These deeply human stories illuminate the complexities of disability care, offering nuanced insights into clinical challenges, ethical dilemmas, family dynamics, and the lifelong impact of early intervention.

Rather than clinical guidelines, these are personal recollections meant to spark reflection, discussion, and empathy. They emphasize the importance of patient- and family-centered care, the role of storytelling in medical education, and the value of lived experience alongside professional expertise. From navigating diagnoses to balancing autonomy and protection, the narratives underscore the emotional and societal dimensions of childhood-onset disabilities.

The book supports professional learning for clinicians working with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities; strengthens team communication and offers validation and insight for families navigating similar experiences.

Inhalt

Foreword

Bernard Dan

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

2. Perspectives on the Stories

3. Albert - Healthcare Providers Assisting Parental Acceptance of Down Syndrome

4. Bao Hong - Growth and Development in Cerebral Palsy Through Continuous Parental Involvement

5. Bobby - When to Recognize Limits and Set Realistic Goals with Spina Bifida

6. Brad - When There Is No Clear Solution to Unresolved Conflict Over ADHD Medication

7. Christine and Charlie - Managing Acceptance and Clinical Bias in Family-Centered Care

8. Christopher - When Ability in a Child with Down Syndrome Overcame Bullying

9. Eddie - The Unique Abilities and Positive Outcome for an Adult with Intellectual Disability

10. Howard - A Family's Search for Answers for Their Child with Autism

11. James - Addressing Excessive Parental Care of a Child with Cerebral Palsy

12. Jay - When Delayed Diagnosis Affected the Development of a Child with ADHD

13. Jimmy and Gayle - A Parent's Journey in Understanding and Accepting Her Children's ADHD

14. Joseph - How Family Counseling Can Help Resolve Conflict and Enable Effective Treatment of Tourette Syndrome

15. Justin - Assisting Families to Move Towards Realistic Expectations of Cerebral Palsy

16. Krysten - Long-Term Professional Relationships and Severe Behavioral Challenges in Hydrocephalus

17. Margaret - Helping Parents Recognize the Potential in Down Syndrome

18. Moira - Fostering Independence in Spina Bifida Through Family and Medical Support

19. Nilda - Alternatives for Care and Long-term Management for the Child with Multiple Non-Progressive Disabilities

20. Peter - Abuse of Medication and Family Support for Rehabilitative Care in ADHD

21. Raymond - When a Parent's Priorities Conflict with the Medical Needs of a Child with Cerebral Palsy

22. Robert - How Community Participation Can Foster Motivation in ADHD

23. Ronnie - Helping Parents Navigate Alternative Therapies for Cerebral Palsy Treatment

24. Sarah - Late Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder through Inter-Physician Referral

25. Scott - Managing Care and Attempting to Foster Independence in a Child with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome

26. Tanya - The Resilient Family of a Child with Cerebral Palsy Maintaining Professional Boundaries

27. Tommy - When Complex Family Dynamics and History Affect ADHD

28. Vasant - A Fully Functioning Independent Adult Despite a History of Social Deprivation and Multiple Disabilities

    Index