This study examines current scholarship in the field of developmental disabilities field from a perspective that recognizes the importance of both 'people' issues and 'technical' advances. It presents contributions from many of the best researchers, clinicians, educators, and service administrators working with developmental disabilities, examining the causes and assessment of and interventions for a range of challenges. Developmental Disabilities also provides descriptions of recent developments from some of the most recognized leaders on issues of integration and accessibility of psychological and educational services.
The basic research topics examined include advances in genetics, behavioral phenotypes, and learning. Treatment topics include pharmaceutical interventions, functional behavioral assessment, movement disorders, basic learning abilities test, autism, motivation and mand training, emotional recognition, psychopathology, depression, and the elderly. There is a discussion of community integration including changes in special education law, person-centered planning and management, staff training, and improvement of services.