Intellectual Disability: Understanding Its Development, Causes, Classification, Evaluation, and Treatment

It is estimated that 7.2 million people in the United States have mental retardation or associated impairments - a spectrum now referred to as "intellectual disability." This book provides professionals with the latest and most reliable information on these disabilities. It utilizes a developmental perspective and reviews the various types of intellectual disabilities, discusses approaches to classification, diagnosis, and appropriate interventions, and provides information on resources that may offer additional help. Case examples are included in each section to highlight specific diagnostic and treatment issues. The emphasis in this book is on the development of the person, the provision of interventions for behavioral and emotional problems associated with intellectual disability, and the positive support necessary for self-determination. It discusses the facilitation of transitions throughout the lifespan from infancy to maturity and old age. Additionally, the book reviews evaluations for behavioral and emotional problems, genetic factors, appropriate psychosocial, medical, and pharmacological interventions, and family and community support.

It is estimated that 7.2 million people in the United States have mental retardation or associated impairments - a spectrum now referred to as "intellectual disability." This book provides professionals with the latest and most reliable information on these disabilities. It utilizes a developmental perspective and reviews the various types of intellectual disabilities, discusses approaches to classification, diagnosis, and appropriate interventions, and provides information on resources that may offer additional help. Case examples are included in each section to highlight specific diagnostic and treatment issues. The emphasis in this book is on the development of the person, the provision of interventions for behavioral and emotional problems associated with intellectual disability, and the positive support necessary for self-determination. It discusses the facilitation of transitions throughout the lifespan from infancy to maturity and old age. Additionally, the book reviews evaluations for behavioral and emotional problems, genetic factors, appropriate psychosocial, medical, and pharmacological interventions, and family and community support.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Regina Rosa Lopez, MD(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description:This book provides the most recent information on intellectual disability, covering the classification, evaluation, and treatment of the intellectually disabled from a developmental perspective. The book's approach shifts the focus to the individual rather than the label.
Purpose:According to the author, the purpose is to provide professionals with the latest and most reliable information on intellectual disability and associated impairments. These are worthy objectives because oftentimes those who work with this group of individuals do not have the time to research this useful information. The objectives are more than sufficiently met.
Audience:This is written for all professionals who work with clients with intellectual disability. This being said, it is written at an appropriate level for varying educational backgrounds. The author is a credible authority, a professor in both psychiatry and pediatrics. He also has been involved in a wide range of clinical research on this topic.
Features:The book attempts to enhance our knowledge and understanding of those with intellectual disability by providing a comprehensive book of the recent literature. It is written in such a way that it can be read cover to cover or used as a reference. The book covers diagnosis, classification, epidemiology, etiology, and interventions from a developmental approach. It attempts to address the dichotomy of intellectual disability as an educational problem versus a medical problem.
Assessment:The book covers the associated emotional and behavioral problems thoroughly. As a clinician, I find treating psychiatric comorbidities in these patients to be difficult. This book helps to make this seem more manageable. Unique features include the appendixes, which provide additional information such as resources for getting help in the community and the Special Olympics. Also unique are the case examples. This is an excellent book for all those working with clients with intellectual disability. It is readable and clinically applicable. The developmental approach will assist with finding appropriate interventions for each individual.

James C. Harris, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Pediatrics, and Mental Hygiene at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.