The 2005 edition of Contact a Family's authoritative and accessible Directory of Specific Conditions and Rare Disorders is now available from the charity, in book form, on CD and on-line.

Expanded to embrace recent medical discoveries and developments, the Directory contains 25 new entries on recently diagnosed rare conditions such as Costello Syndrome and Ohtahara Syndrome; a significantly more detailed 'Cancer' entry which highlights the malignancy risk associated with a range of conditions; plus a whole new section entitled 'Procedures and Management' which lists support groups set up to help people manage common symptoms and therapies. 

In total, the Directory contains over 380 conditions and articles, together with all the relevant support groups.

Used by professionals and families alike, this year's directory is endorsed by Professor Al Aynsley-Green, National Clinical Director for Children and Contact a Family President. 

"The Contact a Family Directory is a great resource, used extensively by doctors and particularly pediatricians in diagnosing conditions.  Not only does it provide wide ranging and reliable medical information, but it includes invaluable information on the support organisations which help families through. 

"In my role as National Clinical Director, I naturally have a great interest in the welfare of children, and that's why I am lending my support to Contact a Family in their work to obtain better lives for
disabled children and their families."

All entries are written or checked by medical experts, while a distinguished medical advisory panel provides guidance on editorial policy and direction.

Directories are available on 020 7608 8700, at £35 for the print version; at £88.13 for a single user copy on CD-ROM which includes extra information, and at £29.38 for a single on-line user.

Visit www.cafamily.org.uk