For undergraduate and graduate introductory courses in Mental Retardation and intellectual disabilities in special education, psychology, social work, and social sciences programs. The eighth edition of this classic text again fulfills its goal of providing an introduction to intellectual disabilities that is readable and comprehensive, and which reflects the broad array of stories associated with this disability. The authors combine a developmental approach—discussing their subject as it evolves from birth to the elder years—with a multidisciplinary perspective that acknowledges the need for collaboration in regard to diagnosis and intervention in order to effectively assist people with mental retardation, intellectual disabilities and their families. Coverage pays particular attention to multicultural issues and incorporates the latest research in the field.

Table of Contents:
All chapters contain an Opening Snapshot, New Issues and Future Directions, Core Questions, Roundtable Discussion and References. I. INTRODUCTION. 1. Multidisciplinary Perspectives. Historical Perspectives. Disciplines and Professions. Concepts, Definitions, and Classification. Mental Retardation as a Concept. Mental Retardation: A Definition in Transition. Incidence and Prevalence. Classification. Cross-Categorical Issues. Purposes and Uses of Definitions and Classifications. 2. Multicultural Issues. Associated Influences. Issues of Assessment and Intervention. Human Development and Multicultural Issues. II. ASSESSMENT AND IDENTIFICATION. 3. Assessment Issues and Procedures. Issues and Concepts. Early Life. Preschool Years. Elementary School Years. Adolescent and Adult Years. 4. Understanding Intelligence and Adaptive Skills. The Concept of Intelligence. Development of Intelligence. Measurement of Intelligence. III. DEVELOPMENT AND CAUSATION. 5. Basic Principles of Early Development. Human Development: Terminology, Concepts, and Theory. The Developmental Process. Prenatal Development. 6. Early Influences and Causation. Early Causation: The Fetus and Infant at Risk. Professional Intervention. IV. PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL YEARS. 7. Infancy and Early Childhood. Physical Development. Professional and Parental Intervention. Language Development. Cognitive Development. Psychosocial Development. 8. The Elementary School-Age Child. Cognitive Development. Learning Characteristics. Adaptive Skills. Motivation. Physical and Health Characteristics. Educational Programs and Placement. Instructional Approaches. Educating the Culturally Different Child. 9. Adolescence and the Transitional Years. Expected Outcomes of Secondary Education Programs. Employment Preparation. Teaching Adaptive Skills. Teaching Academic Skills. Transition Planning. V. ADULTHOOD AND AGING. 10. The Adult Years. Community Living. Institutional Living. Competitive Employment. Sheltered Employment. 11. Challenges of Aging. Research on Aging and Retardation. Characteristics of the Older Person with Mental Retardation. Programming and Future Research. VI. FAMILY AND SOCIAL ISSUES. 12. Family Issues. The Impact of the Child with Mental Retardation on the Family. Supporting the Family. The Needs of the Child. The Needs of Siblings. 13. Social and Ethical Issues. Background. The Life Cycle: Issues and Ethics. Research and Professional Ethics. Glossary. Name Index. Subject Index.