Youth with Disabilities

Over the past 30 years chronic mental and physical conditions have replaced acute illnesses as the leading diseases of adolescence in most of the industrialized nations. This development is prompting many clinicians to reach beyond strictly physical measurements and to devote more attention to the individual's other resources and demands as well as to quality of life issues. This volume deals with the major mechanisms by which chronic conditions may interfere with puberty and their effects on the pubertal process. Focus is also placed on paediatric affective disorders which are still difficult to identify. Further topics range from a family system's approach as a nonlinear treatment to manage the health care of the young disabled, to readings on developments of community-based services with the aim of achieving an optimal degree of independence and preparation for normalized life. The process of transition from paediatric to adult services is examined in a group of young patients with diabetes. An international annotated bibliography of publications since 1980 provides reference to literature on youth with disabilities and chronic illnesses.