"This updated and expanded second edition of Children with Spina Bifida: a Parents’ Guide provides a comprehensive overview of spina bifida and its impact on the lives of children with this condition and their families. It is edited by Marlene Lutkenhoff, RN, MSN, nurse manager of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and includes chapters written by a variety of experts from different institutions in the U.S.

Children with Spina Bifida is a resource that parents will return to often as their child develops and new situations are encountered. Overall the book has a positive and encouraging tone that will be reassuring to new parents. It includes well written chapters addressing the medical, educational, social/emotional, and legal issues of children with spina bifida. While the stated focus of the book is on children from birth through age 6, many of the chapters also contain information that apply to older children and adolescents. Parents of children who have spina bifida have contributed chapters on coping with the initial diagnosis, and parenting issues, as well as “Parent Statements” at the end of each chapter, which contain valuable insights for parents and caregivers. In addition, there is a chapter on the adult with spina bifida, written by a developmental pediatrician who himself has this condition and a short chapter on growing up with spina bifida, written a young adult.

A glossary, an extensive bibliography, a list of resources, and information about the contributors complete the book. Helpful photographs of children with spina bifida involved in school activities, therapy and play are found throughout the various chapters. This book is highly recommended for pediatric consumer health collections and is also recommended for general consumer health collections."
-CAPHIS Consumer Connections

"The 2nd edition of Children with Spina Bifida: A Parents’ Guide, edited by Marlene Lutkenhoff, MSN, RN is a comprehensive look at all aspects of caring for and raising a child with spina bifida from diagnosis through the adult years. It is parent-centered, with each chapter written by different experts in their areas of practice related to spina bifida.

Along with medical, psychological and developmental information provided, practical information on legal rights, education, parenting tips and planning for the child’s future are also included.

Parent statements following each chapter show the wide range of feelings, concerns and accomplishments shared by other parents of children with spina bifida. The appendices at the end of the book could be extremely helpful to parents."
-ADVANCE for Physical Therapists & PT Assistants, April 21, 2008

Praise for the first edition. . .

"This book is like an encyclopedia on spina bifida. You don't have to read the whole book at once use it as a reference as needed. It will be especially helpful to new parents, but it could be a lifesaver to parents of children of every age."
-Judy Albert, parent and past President of the Spina Bifida Association of Cincinnati