Mental Health of Children and Adolescents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
A Framework for Professional Practice
By: David Dosetor, Donna White, Lesley Whatson
About This Book
Children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at high risk of co-morbid emotional, behavioural, and psychiatric problems that may further reduce their functional abilities. For the clinicians who support them and their families, meeting the needs of children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health problems is challenging. In this book, clinicians who work with young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health problems will find a comprehensive framework for how their complex needs might best be addressed. Relevant biological, developmental, family, educational, social, and cultural factors are integrated. The evolution of developmental sequence is seen as vital to understanding the mental health problems of young people with disabilities. This view informs multi-dimensional assessment of behaviour, and addresses conceptual confusion in defining behaviour problems, developmental disorders, mental disorders, and serious mental illnesses. Evidence-based interventions to promote skill development and mental health in young people with disabilities are described. A model for how interdisciplinary and multi-agency collaboration and co-ordination might be facilitated is outlined. Parents’ perspectives are also presented. Fundamentally, though, this is a book by clinicians, for clinicians. All clinicians and other professionals who work to improve mental health outcomes and quality of life more generally for young people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities - paediatricians, child psychiatrists, psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers, behaviour clinicians, counsellors, teachers, agency managers, among others – will find the book invaluable.
AI Overview
The book "Mental Health of Children and Adolescents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" edited by David Dossetor, Donna White, and Lesley Whatson, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Risk Factors and Vulnerabilities:
- The book highlights the increased risk of developing mental health problems in children and adolescents with IDD due to various factors, including the complexity of their conditions and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis and Comorbidities:
- It discusses the difficulties in diagnosing mental health issues in this population, as well as the common comorbidities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Developmental Framework:
- The authors present a developmental framework for understanding the mental health needs of children and adolescents with IDD, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach among healthcare professionals, educators, and families.
Aetiology of Mental Health Issues:
- The book explores the aetiology of mental health issues in this population, including the impact of environmental and social factors on their well-being.
Collaboration and Service Development:
- It emphasizes the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to develop effective mental health services tailored to the needs of children and adolescents with IDD. The book outlines strategies for improving service delivery and promoting better outcomes.
Future Directions and Models of Services:
- The authors discuss potential future models of service delivery, addressing the underfunding and limited research in this field, and highlighting the importance of ongoing collaboration to improve mental health care for this vulnerable population.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews of the book are not provided in the search results, the editors' expertise and contributions to the field of intellectual disability psychiatry are well-regarded. David Dossetor, in particular, is recognized for his work in intellectual disability and autism, and his contributions to the development of mental health services for this population are acknowledged in various publications.
Publication Details
- Publication Date: The book was published in 2011 by IP Communications, Melbourne.
- Editors: David Dossetor, Donna White, and Lesley Whatson.
- Contributors: The book includes contributions from various experts in the field, including Michelle Wong, Belinda Ratcliffe, Tom Butterworth, and others from the Centre for Emotion-Based Social Skills Training for Autism and the CHW Developmental Psychiatry Team.
Additional Context
- The book is part of a broader effort to address the underfunding and limited research in developmental psychiatry and mental health for individuals with IDD. It serves as a resource for professionals, educators, and families seeking to improve the mental health outcomes of children and adolescents with IDD.
In summary, "Mental Health of Children and Adolescents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the complex mental health needs of this vulnerable population. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, highlights the challenges in diagnosis and treatment, and discusses future directions for improving service delivery.