The last decade has brought advances in understanding psychosocial, genetic, neurobiological, and behavioral issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of intellectual disability (ID) and autism. Such advances are pertinent not only to those with severe development disorders, but also to a broader range of children and adolescents by bringing a greater appreciation of the developmental perspective. Moreover, advances in genetics have clarified genetic mechanisms linked to many intellectual disability syndromes. New comprehensive treatment models have evolved that include psychosocial, behavioral, and pharmacological interventions. This Institute provides a comprehensive update for child and adolescent psychiatrists interested in developmental issues related to diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with intellectual disability and mental disorders. It reviews the classification of intellectual disability, discusses medical evaluation, considers the interface of intellectual disability and autism, provides an in-depth discussion of behavioral phenotypes, describes the adaptation of DSM IV-TR to ID, and explains data collection for psychopharmacology and consensus guidelines for treatment and forensic issues.

Sponsored by the AACAP Autism and Intellectual Disability Committee