Robert M. Hodapp

This comprehensive resource offers an explanation of genetic mental retardation syndromes and how they affect behaviour. Four major syndromes - Down, Williams, Fragile X and Prader-Willi - and several lesser-known syndromes are covered, with in-depth information on genetic causes, physical and medical features, speech and language issues, prevalence, cognitive profiles and adaptive and maladaptive behaviours. Researchers and practitioners - including mental health professionals, educators, speech-language pathologists and caregivers - should get the research-based information they need to improve individuals' educational, personal, occupational and residential situations and to create wider community inclusion.

Development and Disabilities offers the first ‘multi-disability’ developmental approach to children with mental retardation, deafness, blindness and motor impairments. The book is divided into three sections. Part I describes the organismic and contextual aspects of modern-day developmental approaches, along with such historical precursors as Werner, Piaget, and Vygotsky. Part II then examines the most interesting aspects of development in each of the four disabilities. For each disability, studies are described that explore the child’s development, mother-child interaction, and family work. Part III then draws theoretical and applied implications from these four disabilities. Both similarities and differences are noted in development across disabilities, with the aim of better research and intervention. This book should be of interest to a wide range of researchers and practitioners interested in the development of children with disabilities.

Development and Disabilities offers a 'multi-disability' developmental approach to children with mental retardation, deafness, blindness and motor impairments. The book is divided into three sections. Part I describes the organismic and contextual aspects of modern-day developmental approaches, along with such historical precursors as Werner, Piaget, and Vygotsky. Part II then examines the most interesting aspects of development in each of the four disabilities. For each disability, studies are described that explore the child's development, mother-child interaction, and family work. Part III then draws theoretical and applied implications from these four disabilities. Both similarities and differences are noted in development across disabilities, with the aim of better research and intervention. This book should be of interest to a wide range of researchers and practitioners interested in the development of children with disabilities.

Understanding Mental Retardation constitutes a guide to research and theory for specialists and students alike. Throughout, Edward Zigler and Robert M. Hodapp draw on our knowledge of normal development to inform their discussion of various aspects of retardation. Two introductory chapters provide the developmental framework for this discussion. Topics addressed include issues of definition, classification, and prevalence; motivation and personality factors; intervention in the lives of organically and so-called familial retarded persons; the possibility of 'miracle cures'; and the problems of institutionalization and mainstreaming. The authors' clear presentation and judicious evaluation of the available evidence will attract the attention of a wide audience.