Physical Health of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Book excerpt: This book is the second in a series with the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (Series Editor: Matthew P. Janicki). These publications are designed to address the issues of health, adult development and aging among persons with intellectual disabilities. Physical health considerations of persons with an intellectual disability are attracting attention within the contexts of human rights, public health, and health promotion. Research has shown that the prevalence of certain conditions and diseases is much higher in adults with an intellectual disability than in the general population. Experts from specific healthcare specialties draw on a strong research base to discuss key physical health considerations for the intellectual disability community. The result is a core resource for practitioners, researchers, students and advocates in this field.