'Challenging' behaviours are common among people with intellectual disabilities, resulting in significantly reduced quality of life. These may include aggression, self-injury, destructiveness, hyperactivity and inappropriate social conduct. This new edition provides a concise, accessible and contemporary summary of current knowledge about challenging behaviour, drawn from psychology, psychiatry, medicine and public health. Fully updated and revised, it includes comprehensive coverage of the epidemiology and aetiology of challenging behaviours, and evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness of different approaches to intervention. This edition contains significantly expanded sections on the emergence and development of challenging behaviour and strategies for prevention, at the level of both individuals and service systems. Essential reading for students undertaking professional training in health and related aspects of intellectual disabilities, including psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, teachers and social workers. This book is a key text for professional staff delivering health, educational and social care services to people with intellectual disabilities.

‘In Challenging Behaviour Emerson carefully defines his terms, sets the problem in the social context, and demonstrates a systematic approach to the analysis and treatment of behavioural pathology in this little understood aspect of learning difficulties … and it has the great merit of being set against issues of quality of life.'

Source: British Medical Journal

‘This well-written book provides a wide overview of challenging behavior in mentally retarded people covering the current findings on the nature, epidemiology, causes and treatment … this is a good book and very essential reading for all health care professionals involved in the assessment and treatment of mentally retarded people.'

Source: Saudi Medical Journal