Odom (Frank Porter Graham Child development Institute, and education, U. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) et al. provide an overview of the most current information on developmental disabilities in 30 chapters. Contributors from North America and the UK, who work in education, developmental disabilities, mental health, and other fields, consider research in specific areas, past studies, and implications for practice, social policy, and future research. Coverage encompasses definitions and classifications, social policy, research methods, cultural influences, the biomedical science of developmental disabilities, and early intervention, school-age intervention, and adult issues. Positive behavior support, dual diagnosis, and pharmacological/behavioral treatment approaches are discussed, as are family issues and international perspectives. Both author and subject indexes are provided. The volume is aimed at students and practitioners in clinical, school, and developmental psychology, special education, speech-language pathology, and psychiatry. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)