The Child With Disabling Illness: Principles of Rehabilitation

This is a book that truly does fill a void, and it should be welcomed by all who deal with chronic disease in children. The editors are a physiatrist and a neurologist and the topics covered in the book undoubtedly reflect their specialty interests. There are 26 other contributors to the volume, most of whom are affiliated with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, as are the two editors.

The book is divided into five sections: (1) four selected chronic medical illnesses (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, hemoglobinopathies, and asthma); (2) disorders of the neuromuscular system; (3) disorders of the musculoskeletal system and injuries (including burns and cosmetic surgery); (4) dentistry (only one chapter long but highly useful); and (5) psychosocial aspects. This last section contains six chapters ranging from sexuality in the handicapped adolescent to administration of hospitals caring for the chronically ill child.

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