A Comprehensive Guide to Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

by Ivan Brown, Maire Percy (Editor)

Brown (social work, University of Toronto) and Percy (director, Neurogenetics Laboratory, Toronto) assemble multidisciplinary contributors from the English-speaking world (mainly Canada) to create a text and reference for students and professionals working with people who have disabilities. Six overview chapters examine definitions of intellectual and developmental disabilities, trends in the field, international human rights issues, and the role of advocacy. A section on etiology and specific conditions introduces relevant fundamentals of genetics, development, and the nervous system, then describes 11 conditions, including Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, HIV, and epilepsy. Subsequent sections deal with support and intervention, developmental disabilities through the life span, and health. Pedagogical features include learning objectives, case stories, reflection questions, a glossary, and a comprehensive list of print, nonprint, and organizational resources. With scientific information written in an accessible style, the book can be used by social workers, clinicians, families, caregivers, and policy makers.

The most complete book available on children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this core textbook is perfect for any course focused on disabilities. No other text on this subject is all of these things at once:

broad and deep, with thorough, up-to-date information on intervention, education, family roles, health issues, specific disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism, and much more
lifespan-focused, with topics ranging from genetics and development to aging issues
immediately applicable, presenting not just the facts but also practical, real-world advice on working with people with disabilities and meeting their individual needs
multidisciplinary, blending the research and personal experiences of more than 70 world-renowned authors from diverse fields

Learning objectives, instructive case stories, stimulating questions for reflection, and key Internet resources help make this a user-friendly textbook — one that students will refer to for years to come. With this thorough compendium of information, insights, and answers, future educators, social workers, researchers, and clinicians will know what to do and how to do it once they start their work with people with disabilities.