In this reprint from 2007, Odom (child development, U. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) et al. bring together 30 chapters reviewing current knowledge about different dimensions of developmental disabilities, neuroscientific and genetic foundations, impacts on health, learning, and behavior, and educational and clinical practices. Scholars of education, human development, psychiatry, psychology, learning disabilities, and other areas, who are based in North America and the UK, discuss definition and classification issues, social policy, research methods, cultural influences, and established and new approaches to promoting communication and language abilities, academic skills, positive social interactions, vocational and independent living skills, and positive behavior support, family adaptation, and resilience with children and adults. Other topics include dual diagnosis, pharmacological and behavioral treatments, families, and international perspectives and practices. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)