Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities provides a unique contribution not currently available in the professional literature by addressing the experiences and perspectives of families living with or raising a child with a disability.

Briana S. Nelson Goff, PhD, LCMFT, is a professor in the School of Family Studies and Human Services at Kansas State University. Dr. Nelson Goff received dual Bachelors of Science degrees in psychology and life science and a Master of Science degree in marriage and family therapy, all from Kansas State University. She completed a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from Texas Tech University. Nicole Piland Springer, PhD, LMFT, is an associate professor of practice in community, family, and addiction sciences, and the director of the Center for Family Systems Research and Intervention and the Family Therapy Clinic at Texas Tech University. Dr. Piland Springer received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a Master of Science degree in human development and family studies, and a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from Texas Tech University.

Part I: Foundations for Understanding Developmental, Intellectual, and Other Disabilities 1. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: An Introduction and Overview Brie Turns, MS, PhD, Briana S. Nelson Goff, PhD, Marilyn Masterson, PhD, RN, Jessica D. Cless, MS, and Adam W. Cless, MS 2. A Systemic and Contextual Lens of Disability: Family Stress, Ambiguous Loss, and Meaning Making Nicole Piland Springer, PhD, Brie Turns, MS, PhD, and Marilyn Masterson, PhD, RN 3. Discovering Resilience: Moving Forward on the Journey Thomas Knestrict, EdD 4. Advice to New Parents From Parents: Reflecting on the Journey Jessica D. Cless, MS, Ellen Bodine, BS, Ashley Edelman, BS, Laura Farkas, BS, Adam W. Cless, MS, Briana S. Nelson Goff, PhD, and Nicole Piland Springer, PhD Part II: Perspectives, Contributions, and Lived Experiences of Individuals with IDD and Their Families on the Journey 5. Understanding and Supporting Identity Formation and Meaning Making Kami L. Gallus, PhD and Jennifer L. Jones, PhD 6. Perspectives From Mothers: Recognizing Their Strengths and Contributions Beyond Caregiving Jessica D. Cless, MS and Christyne Stephenson, MS 7. Perspectives From Fathers: Recognizing Their Strengths and Contributions Beyond Breadwinning Gail E. Bentley, PhD, Matthew D. Brown, PhD, and Jason B. Whiting, PhD 8. The Sibling Experience: More Than My Brother's Keeper Carolyn Shivers, PhD 9. Grandparents: Meaningful Contributors to a Changing Family Landscape Sandra Woodbridge, PhD and Laurie Buys, PhD Part III: Navigating Professional Systems of Care: From Birth to Adolescence 10. The Medical Perspective: Developing Health Literacy in Families Karen Summar, MD, MS 11. Allied Health Professionals: Enhancing Potential Through Early Childhood Intervention and Therapies Jennifer J. Bekins, MS 12. The Education System: Building Partnerships and Inclusive Communities Grace Francis, PhD and Sarah Nagro, EdD Part IV: Preparing for the Future: The Transition to Adulthood and Beyond 13. Special Needs Financial Planning: Optimizing Resources for the Future Mitzi K. Lauderdale, JD, CFP®, Michael C. Walther II, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CFA®, and Nicole Piland Springer, PhD 14. Meaningful Employment: Fostering Opportunities for Adults with IDD to Thrive Jennifer L. Jones, PhD and Kami L. Gallus, PhD 15. Special Needs Legal Concerns: Guidelines for Families and Guardians Michele K. Goldberg, JD 16. When the Journey Ends: Parental Caregiving and Later Life Planning Elizabeth A. Perkins, PhD and Lieke van Heumen, PhD