Charge Syndrome

CHARGE syndrome affects approximately 1:10,000 births worldwide, is extremely complex, and has varied medical and physical manifestations. It was first described in 1979, named in 1981, and only as recently as 2004 was a gene for CHARGE found. In addition to a host of other conditions, most individuals have communication-related problems, including breathing, swallowing, hearing and balance, and speech. Each of the editors is established as an expert on CHARGE syndrome and has received the highest award bestowed by the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation, the Star in CHARGE, and represent four different disciplines: sensory genetics and neurodevelopment, genetic counseling, audiology, and psychology. They have concluded that studies have advanced to the degree that a single source of information is necessary. This, the first known book on the subject, describes the sensory, physical, and behavioral findings in CHARGE, indicates what kinds of studies need to be done to confirm the findings, and describes how these findings affect the function and development of the individual with CHARGE.