Robert P. Liberman and Gary W. LaVigna (Eds.): New Directions in the Treatment of Aggressive Behavior for Persons with Mental and Developmental Disabilities

The term “comprehensive” might be considered as an understated adjective in describing this 837-page volume covering a host of topics related to its title. It is likely the most thorough book of its kind ever published that presents the relevant issues and requisite considerations in ethically serving persons with mental and developmental disabilities (referred to subsequently in this review as M/IDD). It details in depth the scope of aggressive behavior in people with M/IDD, basic principles of treatment, and assessment. The case for and the expanding use of positive behavior support (PBS), a set of strategies in common use today in education and in treatment of M/IDD, largely pioneered by the editors and contributors of this book, is detailed. It covers other positive practices that reduce the occurrences of aggressive behavior and when the restrictive practices may occasionally be needed. It also addresses the use of PBS for individuals with acquired brain injury, a particularly challenging population. The use of pharmacological treatments for aggression by people with M/IDD is covered, and also addressed is the use of behavior therapy with these individuals. Finally, the important issue of the dissemination of these evidence-based practices is presented. To fully review this tome would take a small book of its own; thus, this review tries to capture some of the most salient features of each chapter. …