Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

by Grace Iarocci, Jacob A. Burack, Dermot M. Bowler

Written by psychologists engaged in research, teaching, and practice, Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities encourages a nuanced, contextually informed understanding of the development of individuals with developmental disabilities. This accessible book contextualises developmental disability across the lifespan and within social systems. It will help you understand the complex interaction between genetics, environments, and experiences, in relation to specific conditions such as ADHD, autism, foetal alcohol spectrum conditions, and Down syndrome. It also introduces you to the wide range of real-world applications of developmental disabilities research and to some of the current ethical issues around genetic screening and behavioural intervention.Key learning features Learning objectives Focus boxes that deliver additional helpful context Chapter summaries Reflective exercises and questions, to test what you’ve learned Recommended videosThis book is ideal for students studying atypical development, developmental neuropsychology, and related subjects.Grace Iarocci is Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Lab at Simon Fraser UniversityJacob A. Burack is Professor of School/Applied Child Psychology and Human Development at McGill University, Director of the McGill Youth Study Team, and Scientific Director of the Summit Center for Education, Research, and TrainingDermot M. Bowler is Professor of Psychology and a founder member of the Autism Research Group at City, University of London

336 pages, Hardcover

Published May 24, 2024

Reviews

[Harley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent overview of some developmental disabilities and current research. Some developmental/intellectual disabilities received very little attention (for instance, Fragile X, Prader Willis syndrome, and William's syndrome each received roughy 3 paragraphs of information), whereas others (Down syndrome, autism, and ADHD) had entire chapters devoted to them. This could be based on the amount of research about these disorders, and you cannot include every bit of information about each developmental/intellectual disorder in one book, however when some receive a focused chapter solely on the disorder, compared to a handful of paragraphs, it can feel like a disproportionate distribution of information. It could be beneficial to consider publishing a two volume set on this topic: one textbook devoted to intellectual disabilities and one textbook devoted to developmental disabilities.