ABSTRACT
There are numerous intellectual disability diagnoses, as well as developmental disabilities. This chapter provides more detailed descriptions of three primary intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) areas: autism spectrum disorders (ASD), cerebral palsy (CP), and Down syndrome (DS). It reviews all of the treatments for individuals with ASD. Treatment approaches designed to assist diagnosed individuals with behavior and communication deficits provide structure, direction, and organization for the child in addition to family participation. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most widely accepted treatments and is used in schools and treatment clinics around the world. Various types of ABA include Discrete Trial Training, Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention, Pivotal Response Training, and Verbal Behavior Intervention. Practitioners of ABA are typically credentialed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and are referred to as Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). Commonly prescribed medications for individuals with ASD include Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, psychoactive or anti-psychotic medications, stimulants, anti-anxiety medications, and anticonvulsants.
