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Addresses current approaches to assessment and treatment of mental illness and behavioural disorders. In particular, the text examines diagnosis, giving special attention to schizophrenia and affective disorders; as well as special issues for mentally retarded individuals who are sex offenders. ... Read more

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Examines the causes, health problems, and prevention of mental retardation and discusses education and research involving the mentally retarded. ... Read more

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The economic cost of retardation measures in the billions each year and the human cost is incalculable. However, many forms of retardation can now be prevented medically and much is now known about how to help the retarded lead more normal and satisfactory lives. In Mental Retardation, Dr. Robert Edgerton provides an extraordinarily useful and humane guide to this new knowledge in the brief and readable format that has become a trademark of the Developing Child series.

The book begins with a clear review of what is known about the causes of retardation, ranging from genetic abnormalities to prenatal infection, malnutrition in early childhood, environmental toxins (such as lead paint), and poverty. Edgerton shows how many of these problems can be avoided by genetic counseling, improved prenatal care, and the elimination of environmental hazards. But he also goes on to consider the questions that inevitably arise when prevention fails and family and society must cope with a retarded child: What is the impact of the child on the family? Is care within the family preferable to institutionalization? How can schools best educate the retarded? Is "mainstreaming" sensible? And how far can the retarded adult go towards normal patterns of work and social life within the community?

Mental Retardation makes it clear that many of the problems of retardation are caused by the misunderstanding and intolerance of a society like our own, which places extraordinary emphasis on mental ability and its measurable manifestations: school achievement and IQ. It is just this sort of intolerance and misunderstanding that this book does so much to dispel.

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This volume is written from the perspective of a competence paradigm for professional practice, which offers a constructive alternative to the more prevalent pathology models. The goal of professional practice is to empower families in coping with the catastrophic stressor of mental illness, recognizing the strengths and resources of families, which have often been minimized in the past, and fostering new collaborative modes of family-professional relationships. Unique features include a consideration of life-span, family system and subsystem perspectives, and powerful personal accounts of family members. ... Read more

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Burton Blatt, a native of New York City, earned his bachelor's degree at New York University, an MA at Teachers College Columbia University, and an EdD from Pennsylvania State University. While studying he was also teaching mentally retarded children. He became known nationally and internationally as an advocate for the rights of mentally retarded people. Friends who knew him best speak of him as a mentor and guide, as a teacher. Dr. Blatt was the author of 291 articles and books. He rose to national attention with the publication of Christmas in Purgatory in 1966, an expose of conditions in institutions for mentally retarded persons. He sent copies to all members of Congress. President Johnson called him requesting extra copies. In January of 1985, shortly after completing the manuscript for this book Burton Blatt died at the age of 57. Professionals in these fields and disabled people everywhere lost a true friend. His compassion and wisdom, however, live on in this book. ... Read more

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Burton Blatt, a native of New York City, earned his bachelor's degree at New York University, an MA at Teachers College Columbia University, and an EdD from Pennsylvania State University.While studying he was also teaching mentally retarded children.He became known nationally and internationally as an advocate for the rights of mentally retarded people.Friends who knew him best speak of him as a mentor and guide, as a teacher.Dr. Blatt was the author of 291 articles and books.He rose to national attention with the publication of Christmas in Purgatory in 1966, an expose of conditions in institutions for mentally retarded persons.He sent copies to all members of Congress.President Johnson called him requesting extra copies.In January of 1985, shortly after completing the manuscript for this book Burton Blatt died at the age of 57.Professionals in these fields and disabled people everywhere lost a true friend.His compassion and wisdom, however, live on in this book. ... Read more

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This serial was established under the editorship of Dr. Norman R. Willis in 1966. As a result of his editorial effort and the contributions of many authors, the serial is now recognized as the area's best source of reviews of behavioral research on mental retardation. From its inception, active research scientists and graduate students in mental retardation have looked to this serial as a major source of critical reviews of research and theory in the area. These volumes are required reading for any professional seeking a deeper insight into the behavioral consequences of intellectual and developmental handicaps. ... Read more