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Self-injury guide is launched for carers

A new book detailing self-injurious behaviour in people with CdLS was launched at the international conference.

Published by the Found-ation in conjunction with Prof Chris Oliver and his team from the School of Psychology at Birmingham University, A guide for Parents and Carers is the culmination of three years’ research by Chris Oliver, Jo Moss, Jane Petty, Kate Arron, Jenny Sloneem, and Scott Hall.

Chris explained: “The book has been written for parents and carers to help towards an understanding of self-injurious behaviour when it is shown by a child or adult with CdLS.

“It is not meant to be a comprehensive manual for assessments and interventions, but is a guide to causes of self-injury and the strategies and resources that are needed in order to reduce this distressing behaviour.”

The information is based on the research funded by The Community Fund.

A major concern that Chris and the Foundation Board had was that medical papers could take 10 years to drip through the system.

“Producing the book ourselves, alongside the formal medical papers, means that the information is available sooner …and in a more digestible format,” said Foundation chairman, Alan Peaford.

Copies are being distributed to all CdLS families and members of the UK Foundation list.

Additional copies are to be made available for £15 each.