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Basic Consumer Health Information about Mental Retardation and Its Causes, Including Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Genetic Conditions, Injury, and Environmental Sources
Along with Preventive Strategies, Parenting Issues, Educational Implications, Health Care Needs, Employment and Economic Matters, Legal Issues, a Glossary, and a Resource Listing for Additional Help and Information
People with mental retardation are those who develop at a below average rate and experience difficulty in learning and social adjustment. It is not a disease, nor should it be confused with mental illness.
This Sourcebook provides parents and other concerned individuals with information to help them understand and assist mentally retarded people. In addition to providing factual descriptions of mental retardation and its many causes, the book offers materials about preventing mental retardation, parenting issues and family life, and education. It also covers specific health care issues as well as legal and economic concerns of the mentally retarded and their families.
The book's 45 chapters are arranged in 10 major parts:
- Mental Retardation: Definitions and Diagnosis - provides information helpful in identifying mental retardation
- Three Major Causes of Mental Retardation - explains and describes Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and Fragile X Syndrome
- Other Causes of Mental Retardation - examines other causes such as genetic conditions, developmental disorders, premature or low birth-weight infants, disease or infection, and environment and injury
- Preventing Mental Retardation - offers advice on preventive measures that can be taken by parents
- Family Life - addresses parenting and other family and social issues
- Education - provides information to help mentally retarded people obtain the best possible education
- Specific Health Care Issues - covers physical fitness and weight control, sexuality, aging, HIV and AIDS, managed care, and long-term services
- Important Economic Matters for Mentally Retarded Individuals - discusses employment, housing, disability benefits, and other economic matters for the mentally retarded
- Legal Concerns of the Mentally Retarded and Their Families - addresses issues such as guardianship, protection, and fair treatment in the criminal justice system
- Additional Help and Resources - includes a glossary and a directory of organizations
All contact data in the "Additional Help and Resources" section has been fully verified and includes web site and e-mail addresses as available.
Material in this volume has been selected from a wide range of government agencies, professional associations, and periodicals, among other sources.
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Edited by Joyce Brennfleck Shannon. Charts and Tables. Index. List $95.00
627 Pages. 978-0-7808-0377-0. 2000. $85.00.
What reviewers are saying . . . "From preventing retardation to parenting and family challenges, this covers health, social and legal issues and will prove an invaluable overview." - Reviewer's Bookwatch, July 2000
"The strength of this work is that it compiles many basic fact sheets and addresses for further information in one volume. It is intended and suitable for the general public....relevant to any collection providing health information to the general public." - E-Streams, November 2000
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