This comprehensive text investigates the issues for nurses and other health care professionals in the field of developmental disabilities, highlighting evidence-based practices and providing vital background information. Covering such topics as historical perspectives, development and transitions, systems of care, specific considerations for nursing practice, and information on specific disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism, this book presents a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to nursing care. This solid reference, written by experts in the field, provides health care professionals working in all settings with the information and strategies they need to provide thorough and high-quality care to individuals with developmental disabilities.|Nurses play a key role in high-quality health care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and now this up-to-date textbook fully prepares them to provide patients with the best possible services across the lifespan. The most comprehensive text available for nurses who specialize in IDD, this essential book clarifies evidence-based practices and gives readers an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to care that meets each person s individual needs. Cecily Betz and Wendy Nehring authors of the respected text Promoting Health Care Transitions for Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs and Disabilities gather the latest research and wisdom of 18 diverse authorities in the medical field. Together, they give pre- and in-service nurses the foundation of knowledge they need to help ensure equal access to health care for people with IDD, choose from today s models and philosophies of care, promote their patients psychosocial development, provide effective physical care, conduct health assessments and develop individualized plans of care, maintain successful interdisciplinary collaboration with other professionals, and address the issues associated with specific disabilities (including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fragile X, sensory impairment, and medical and behavioral health problems). Enhanced with clinical practice guidelines to support effective work with individuals who have IDD, this textbook lights every nurse s path to person-centered, evidence-based care that improves their patients lives.