“Makes available to the wider disability community a comprehensive synopsis of current knowledge in our field....The editors have assembled a 'who's who' of researchers in our field....This is a text that should find its way onto the curricula of all academic programs, as required reading for future practitioners in our field. It should be available to policy makers in government departments....It is a valuable source of information that should be available to managers and staff in all services providing support to people with disability.”

—Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability


“I was impressed by the breadth of the content, ranging from medication to schooling and employment, while the book's structure and index made it easy to find my way around. This is a book that I will use as a starting point when I have to work up a topic in this field.”

—Child and Adolescent Mental Health Journal


“The book is recommended for departmental and hospital libraries.”

—Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry


“This is a much-needed work that cuts across traditional disability classifications and focuses on what can be done and for whom. The editors have assembled a superb group of internationally recognized experts to provide cutting-edge perspectives on key issues in the field of developmental disabilities. Unique aspects of this extremely well-written book are its lifespan perspective and its emphasis on the integration of science and practice. This volume has something for everyone. It is a very informative and timely resource for researchers, practitioners, and policy analysts, and will be an excellent text for students and advanced trainees in psychology, education, communication disorders, medicine, public policy, and disability studies.”

—William E. MacLean, Jr., PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming; Editor, American Journal on Mental Retardation


“Odom and his colleagues have assembled some of the very best minds in the field of developmental disabilities to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of fundamental issues. Spanning topics from genetics to intervention to family issues, the Handbook is an outstanding resource for graduate students and professionals.”

—Geraldine Dawson, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Director, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University


“This well-written and comprehensive handbook is the most thorough and up-to-date volume available on evidence-based practice, research, and policy issues related to developmental disabilities. Written by the most knowledgeable leaders in the field, each chapter will serve as an invaluable reference on critical issues that cut across the disciplines of education, health care, and social services. The Handbook is essential reading for anyone who cares about making current knowledge a prelude to a bright future for people with developmental disabilities and their families.”

—Michael L. Hardman, PhD, Department of Teaching and Learning and Department of Special Education, University of Utah


“The field of developmental disabilities has undergone tremendous change and rethinking over the past 25 years. The current zeitgeist is reflected in many diagnostic, educational, therapeutic, legal, and social policy advances, and in the evolution of our overall view of health, wellness, and disability. This handbook comprehensively and eloquently captures these changes and advances. This is a 'must read' for anyone—practitioner, researcher, student, or advocate—with an interest in individuals with developmental disabilities.”

—Steven I. Pfeiffer, PhD, Doctoral Program in Combined Counseling and School Psychology, Florida State University


“Reading the chapters of this first-rate handbook is like attending a series of master lectures, where all of the presenters are well grounded in history, able to explain scientific findings clearly, and deeply caring about the topic—namely, individuals whose lives are touched by developmental disabilities. This is the reference that every student of human development and every practitioner needs!”

—Sharon Landesman Ramey, PhD, Center on Health and Education, Georgetown University