Introduction -- Section 1. Introduction to Key Concepts -- 1. Foundations of Intellectual Disability -- 2. Communication as a Basis for Person-Centred Support -- 3. Care in a Multi/Interdisciplinary Context -- 4. Attachment, Cognitive Dissonance and Reciprocation in Intellectual Disability Care Provision -- Section 2. From Birth to Adolescence -- 5. The Nature of Intellectual Disability -- 6. Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disability -- 7. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Rare Diseases -- 8. Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions -- Section 3. From Adulthood to Older Age -- 9. Chronic Health Among Those with Intellectual Disability -- 10. Ageing and Intellectual Disability -- 11. Intellectual Disability, Mental Health and Mental Disorders -- Section 4. Integrating Health and Social Perspectives -- 12. The Social Contract of Care for People with an Intellectual Disability -- 13. Enabling Families to Support Adults with an Intellectual Disability to Live a Life of their Choosing.-14. Social Integration and Inclusion -- 15. Supporting Transitions -- 16. Sexuality, Gender Identity and Relationships.

This textbook provides nurses, allied health and social care professionals with the background knowledge necessary to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. It is a unique and viable resource which is particularly timely, as recent decades have seen a significant change in the demographics and associated care and support needs of this population. The textbook is laid into four sections to provide a logical structure for the content with chapters developing key topic areas relevant to the field. The introductory section sets the overall context for the book and considers the importance of developing an understanding of intellectual disability as a core concept identifying philosophies and models of service that underpin health and social care across the lifespan. Communication as a basis for caring and the overall concept of person-centred caring in a multidisciplinary context is considered. The second section explores key concepts from birth to adulthood exploring the nature of intellectual disability, the child with intellectual disability and other related neurodevelopmental conditions. The third section explores adulthood to older age and considers specific health care needs, understanding behaviour and other fundamental concepts including mental health, ageing and palliative care. The fourth and final section explores the integration of health and social care addressing such issues as supporting and enabling families, education, employment, and sexuality and relationships. Edited by experienced and widely respected professionals, this textbook is written by international practitioners, educators and researchers who all play critical roles in working with individuals with intellectual disability and their families.