Developmental disabilities or neurodevelopmental disabilities (includes intellectual disability) are a diverse group of chronic disorders that begin at anytime during the development process (including conception, birth, and growth) up to 22 years of age and last throughout an individual's lifetime. Major disabilities include intellectual disability, learning disabilities, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy and neural tube defects.

This book is a handy guide for practicing physicians and allied health professionals, who care for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities and their families. Written and edited by experts in the field engaged in the practice of developmental disabilities, this book provides a concise and easily accessible source on the subject. The consistent style, simplicity of presentation and numerous tables and figures enhance the understanding of complex concepts.

Dilip R Patel, MD, FAAP, FSAM, FAACPDM, FACSM, is professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.

Donald E. Greydanus MD, FAAP, FSAM, FIAP (H) is Professor of Pediatrics and Human Development at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (East Lansing, Michigan, USA) and Director of the Pediatrics Residency Program at Michigan State University/ Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies (Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA).

Hatim AOmar, MD, FAAP, Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of the Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.

Joav Merrick, MD, MMedSci, DMSc, is professor of child health and human development affiliated with Kentucky Children's Hospital, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States. The medical director of the Health Service, Division for Mental Retardation, Ministry of Social Affairs, Jerusalem and the founder and director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Israel.