-assess individual and organizational needs --

Easy-to-implement program that can strikingly improve participants' health and quality of life

People with learning disabilities are affected by significantly more health problems than the general population and are much more likely to have significant health risks. Yet evidence suggests they are not receiving the same level of health education and health promotion opportunities as other members of society. This important, interdisciplinary book is aimed at increasing professional awareness of the importance of health promotion activities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Written by an international board of experts, it is a thorough and comprehensive guide for students, professionals and carers. The book considers a variety of challenges faced by those with intellectual disabilities, from physical illnesses such as diabetes, epilepsy and sexual health issues, through to issues such as addiction, mental health and ageing. Contributors: Jim Blair, Penny Blake, Malin Broberg, Michael Brown, Eddie Chaplin, Bob Davies, Gillian Eastgate, Paul Fleming, Dora Fisher, Linda Goddard, Tamar Heller, John Heng, Thanos Karatzias, Mike Kerr, Nick Lennox, Tadhg MacIntyre, Beth Marks, Jane McCarthy,Judith Moyle,Karen Nankervis,Ruth Northway, Joseph O'Grady, Renee Proulx, Janet Robertson, Cathy Ross, Jasmina Sisirak, Eamonn Slevin, David S Stewart, William F. Sullivan, Beverley Temple, Hana Válková , Henny van Schrojenstein Lantman-de Valk. "I highly recommend this book to anyone working directly with people with an intellectual disability as well as professionals, academics and students who strive to promote issues and improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families." Agnes Lunny OBE, Chief Executive of Positive Futures, Northern Ireland "The editors and authors have done practitioners a great favour in bringing together in one volume a comprehensive account of how children and adults with intellectual disabilities can be supported to lead healthier lives." Roy McConkey, Professor of Developmental Disabilities, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland "This timely and important book synthesises current knowledge about health promotion interventions for people with intellectual disabilities. Written by leading researchers and practitioners, it should be on the bookshelves of everyone concerned with addressing the stark inequalities in health experienced by people with intellectual disabilities around the world." Eric Emerson, Professor of Disability Population Health, University of Sydney, Australia and Emeritus Professor of Disability and Health Research, Lancaster University, UK "This book is current and different from other textbooks I have used before. The book is pitched at a very easy to understand level and any healthcare professional or student working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can use it. The content is very up to date and relevant. The use of comprehensive authors with differing backgrounds demonstrates the textbook has a wide range of expertise and knowledge packed into it that makes the book very relevant learning disabilities practice. I will definitely be recommending this textbook to undergraduate nursing students in Learning Disabilities." Dorothy Kupara – Lecturer in Learning Disabilities Nursing, University of West London.

Intellectual disability is a generalized disorder appearing before adulthood characterized by significantly impaired cognitive functioning and deficits in two or more adaptive behaviors. With the current limitations in curative treatment for intellectual disabilities, the rehabilitation and management of affected individuals remains a major factor in the management and treatment of symptoms and for the improvement of daily life. Developmental Challenges and Societal Issues for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities is a comprehensive academic resource that examines treatment and rehabilitation options for those who have intellectual disabilities and examines educational, vocational, and psychosocial needs that can improve quality of life for these individuals. Featuring a range of topics such as comorbidities, epidemiology, and stigma, this book is ideal for psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, psychiatric nurses, clinicians, special ed teachers, social workers, hospital administrators, mental health specialists, managers, academicians, rehabilitation centers, researchers, and students.

This book provides a broad overview of quality health care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It focuses on providing the reader a practical approach to dealing with the health and well-being of people with IDD in general terms as well as in dealing with specific conditions. In addition, it offers the reader a perspective from many different points of view in the health care delivery system as well as in different parts of the world. This is the 3rd , and much expanded edition, of a text that was first published in 1989 (Lea and Fibiger). The second edition was published in 2006 (Paul Brookes) and has been used as a formal required text in training programs for physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners as well as by administrators who are responsible for programs serving people with IDD. This book is considered the “Bible” in the field of health care for people with IDD since 1989 when the first edition came out.

This book examines belonging as a key protective factor for enhancing resilience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It focuses on understanding intellectual and developmental disabilities and resilience from systemic and social-ecological perspectives, emphasizing the roles of professionals, families, and communities in combating long-standing segregation and health disparities experienced by individuals and families. The volume explores the dimensions of belonging across diverse professional fields using a person-centered approach that acknowledges the significant lifelong role of family members and emphasizes reflective practice for professionals. Chapters present research and innovative strategies to facilitate belonging when working alongside individuals and families. Key areas of coverage include: Family-professional partnerships in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across lifespan and community contexts. Spirituality, mental health, and identity in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Research ethics and design in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The diverse needs, desires, and preferences of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The importance of individualized planning and approaches in fostering belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Belonging and Resilience in Individuals with Developmental Disabilities is a valuable resource for researchers, professors, and graduate students as well as clinicians, therapists, and related professionals in developmental psychology, family studies, public health, and social work as well as related disciplines, including education policy and politics, behavioral health, and psychiatry.

This authoritative handbook reviews the breadth of current knowledge about developmental disabilities: neuroscientific and genetic foundations; the impact on health, learning, and behavior; and effective educational and clinical practices. Leading authorities analyze what works in intervening with diverse children and families, from infancy through the school years and the transition to adulthood. Chapters present established and emerging approaches to promoting communication and language abilities, academic skills, positive social relationships, and vocational and independent living skills. Current practices in positive behavior support are discussed, as are strategies for supporting family adaptation and resilience.