Philip W. Davidson – författare

A history of the University of Rochester Medical Center's Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Division from its inception in 1947 through 2019.The field of intellectual and developmental disabilities has evolved dramatically from the end of the nineteenth century, changing from dehumanizing institutional care to community-based services and supports. The University of Rochester Medical Center's response to community needs in this field began in 1947. This book describes the history of its Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, written by the only two chiefs the division has had. The narrative traces the first effort to provide diagnostic service to parents of affected children and describes the emergence of a full program of interdisciplinary services, education of future leaders, community-based consultation, and research. It shows how the division's growth was molded by changing needs in the region and the world. It also tells the story of how a multidisciplinary program can emerge and thrive in a research-oriented medical center and serve as a bridge between a university and its community partners. Finally, it underscores the time-consuming process of program development, including building trust, acquiring needed resources, and maintaining the highest quality of programming during both good and difficult times.

This book brings together findings from research and clinical practice, with comprehensive coverage of the important aspects of mental health in ageing persons with intellectual and developmental  disabilities. It is crucial for professionals involved in the care of persons with all intellectual  and developmental  disabilities to have a broad understanding of the essential range of issues, and therefore this book provides a truly multi-disciplinary perspective, complete with many figures and illustrations to underline the key points.Undoubtedly, research and clinical practice are much more advanced in the general ageing population than in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and so professionals and academics must be made fully aware of commonalities and idiosyncrasies of older people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This book presents the ongoing developments concerningmental health and aging, which will become relevant to the intellectually disabled population. Through experience, this book also acknowledges that the impact on the persons themselves and on their carers always needs to be taken into account, with treatment programs established with a multi-faceted team approach in mind.Avoiding the jargon of many titles in this area while maintaining the hands-on approach of clinical practice, this book meshes the practical and scientific worlds, with all chapters written by leading experts in the field.Beyond the US, the IASSIDD support expands the book message worldwide.