Developmental Disabilities: A Simple Guide for Service Providers

- A psychologist gives a non-technical overview of developmental disabilities. - EMPATHETIC LEARNING is promoted through stories of real individuals. - Vibrant storytelling and humor keep the information lively. - Speaks simply and directly to caregivers. - Gives direct care staff training, ideas, and motivation, so they can provide better service, find more joy in their work, and reduce the stress that can lead to staff turnover. - Excellent for in-service training, as well as for individual study. This book is for those who provide direct supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. It is designed to make up for some of the training and experience gaps of those on the front lines. It is not a traditional academic textbook on developmental disabilities although it contains an overview of academic knowledge, simply presented. The book also vividly and personally conveys the emotional dilemmas of this work through stories based on real people. The focus is on real-world problems and solutions. The audience includes direct care staff, case managers, supervisors, families, and others. Mac Griffith, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Summit County, Colorado. He was staff psychologist for many years with a community-based agency for individuals with developmental disabilities. He was also a university professor and has published and spoken widely. Less traditionally, Mac has also written a feature column for a local mountain newspaper, humor features for the Denver Post, and has published longer essays in the Mountain Gazette, a regional magazine. .