Edited by Vee P. Prasher and Matthew P. Janicki. Oxford: Blackwell, 2002, 286 pages. Price: $44.95 USD (Soft Cover)

This is a very relevant book in these times, where persons with intellectual disability survive childhood, adolescence and enter adulthood. Today we see the first generation of adults with intellectual disability growing older and therefore in need of services in the community, where they are participating in growing numbers. It is especially relevant, in light of the paucity of training available to nurses, physicians and other health professions that has been far from adequate.

This publication, the second in a new series by Blackwell in cooperation with the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID), is edited by Vee P. Prasher and Matthew P. Janicki from the University of Illinois at Chicago with 21 international contributors.

This book has 13 extensive chapters with a wealth of information from recent international research and experience starting out with epidemiological issues to the final chapter on barriers to health care services and the role of the physician in the treatment of persons with intellectual disability.

As physicians, we have found useful information presented in a clear and straightforward language in each chapter and can warmly recommend it to the physicians, nurses and allied professionals involved with the health care and service of persons with intellectual disability.

Joav Merrick, MD
Medical Director, Division for Mental Retardation
Box 1260, IL-91012
Jerusalem, Israel
E-mail: jmerrick@internet-zahav.net

Mohammed Morad, MD
Family Physician
Division for Community Health
Ben Gurion University
Box 653, IL-84105
Beer-Sheva, Israel
E-mail: morad-62@barak-online.net