Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Wide ranging text offering a developmental approach and contextual understanding of intellectual disabilities, with chapters dedicated to specific conditions such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and foetal alcohol spectrum conditions.

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 include:

• Learning objectives

• Focus boxes that deliver additional helpful context

• Chapter summaries

• Reflective exercises and questions, to test what you’ve learned

• Recommended videos

This 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 University

Jacob 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 Training

Dermot M. Bowler is Professor of Psychology and a founder member of the Autism Research Group at City, University of London