This book examines theoretical considerations in the study of decision making as well as practical applications in social interpersonal domains for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It provides a history of the study of decision making in individuals with IDD and examines emerging views on decision making from a positive psychology perspective. The book explores the role of decision making in self-determination as well as offers global perspectives on the rights and responsibilities of individuals with IDD to engage in independent decision making. It outlines a framework for the study of decision making in individuals with IDD, reviews research that addresses the role of culturally diverse influences on individual decision making, and examines likely consequences of the etiological bases of disability on decision-making profiles. Key areas of coverage include: · Critical role of basic processes of cognition, motivation and self-beliefs, affect and emotion, and various styles of decision making. · Applications of decision-making skills within family and community contexts, in personal and social relationships, during transition to adulthood and more independent lifestyles, and in successful community living. · Self-protective decision making by individuals in situations of abuse as well as in resisting peer victimization and bullying. · Decision-making parameters for enabling maximum participation in self-decision making, through shared and supported decision making in contexts such as health care, aging, and end-of-life decisions. · Research-based interventions to improve effective decision making in individuals with IDD. Decision Making by Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is a must-have reference for researchers, professors, and graduate students as well as clinicians and other professionals in the fields of developmental and positive psychology, rehabilitation, social work, special education, occupational, speech and language therapy, public health, and healthcare policy.

Ishita Khemka, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Programs in Special Education at St. John's University, New York. She has many years of experience in teacher preparation, inclusive programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and program evaluation. Dr. Khemka's research has significantly advanced the study of interpersonal decision making in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Khemka is the lead author of ESCAPE-NOW and PEER-DM, decision-making programs focusing on reducing social vulnerability and maltreatment in adults and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Linda Hickson, Ph.D., is Emerita Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. As long-time coordinator of the Programs in Intellectual Disability/Autism and director of the Center for Opportunities and Outcomes for People with Disabilities, Dr. Hickson taught and mentored master's and doctoral students and directed numerous research projects pertaining to disability. She has published chapters and research articles on a wide array of topics, especially theoretical and applied aspects of decision making in people with disabilities. A central focus of Dr. Hickson's research has been on finding ways to reduce the social vulnerability of adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism by increasing their ability to make effective self-protective decisions. Dr. Hickson, with her collaborator, Dr. Ishita Khemka, conducted a series of funded projects that resulted in the development and evaluation of ESCAPE-NOW, a decision-making curriculum to decrease the vulnerability of women and men with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and PEER-DM, a decision-making program to decrease the peer victimization of adolescents with intellectual disabilities and autism.