ABSTRACT

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities provides a unique contribution not currently available in the professional literature by addressing the experiences and perspectives of families living with or raising a child with a disability. Designed for family therapists, social workers, and other helping professionals, it provides empirically-based, practical information for working with families experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities of a loved one. This book also provides important information for navigating the various professional systems of care with which these families interface: health care providers, early childhood intervention teams, educational systems, the legal system, and financial planners.

part |58 pages

Foundations for Understanding Developmental, Intellectual, and Other Disabilities

chapter |15 pages

A Systemic and Contextual Lens of Disability

Family Stress, Ambiguous Loss, and Meaning Making

chapter |14 pages

Discovering Resilience

Moving Forward on the Journey

part |72 pages

Perspectives, Contributions, and Lived Experiences of Individuals with IDD and Their Families on the Journey

chapter |14 pages

Perspectives from Mothers

Recognizing Their Strengths and Contributions beyond Caregiving

chapter |14 pages

Perspectives from Fathers

Recognizing Their Strengths and Contributions beyond Breadwinning

chapter |13 pages

The Sibling Experience

More than My Brother’s Keeper

chapter |14 pages

Grandparents

Meaningful Contributors to a Changing Family Landscape

part |40 pages

Navigating Professional Systems of Care From Birth to Adolescence

chapter |15 pages

The Medical Perspective

Developing Health Literacy in Families

chapter |10 pages

Allied Health Professionals

Enhancing Potential through Early Childhood Intervention and Therapies

chapter |13 pages

The Education System

Building Partnerships and Inclusive Communities

part |58 pages

Preparing for the Future The Transition to Adulthood and Beyond

chapter |15 pages

Special Needs Financial Planning

Optimizing Resources for the Future

chapter |13 pages

Meaningful Employment

Fostering Opportunities for Adults with IDD to Thrive

chapter |15 pages

Special Needs Legal Concerns

Guidelines for Families and Guardians

chapter |13 pages

When the Journey Ends

Parental Caregiving and Later Life Planning