With its spread of chapters covering key issues across the life cycle this text has established itself as the foundational primer for those studying the lived experiences of people with learning disabilities and their families, and outcomes achieved through services and support systems.

Recognising learning disability as a lifelong disability, this accessible book is structured around the life cycle. The second edition is refreshed and expanded to include seven new chapters, covering:

• Aetiology
• Breaking news (about disability) and early intervention
• Transition to adulthood
• The sexual lives of women
• Employment
• Personalisation
• People with hidden identities

With contributions from respected figures from a range of disciplines, the book draws heavily upon multidisciplinary perspectives and is based on the latest research and evidence for practice. The text is informed by medical, social and legal models of learning disability, exploring how "learning disability" is produced, reproduced and understood.

Extensive use is made of real-life case studies, designed to bring theory, values, policy and practice to life. Narrative chapters describe, in the words of people with learning disabilities themselves, their lives and aspirations. They helpfully show readers the kinds of roles played by families, advocates and services in supporting people with learning disabilities. New exercises and questions have been added to encourage discussion and reflection on practice.

Learning Disability is core reading for students entering health and social care professions to work with people with learning disabilities. It is a compelling reference text for practitioners as it squarely addresses the challenges facing people with learning disability, their loved ones and the people supporting them.

Contributors Dawn Adams, Kathryn Almack, Dorothy Atkinson, Nigel Beail, Christine Bigby, Alison Brammer, Jacqui Brewster, Hilary Brown, Jennifer Clegg, Lesley Cogher, Helen Combes, Clare Connors, Bronach Crawley, Eric Emerson, Margaret Flynn, Linda Gething, Dan Goodley, Peter Goward, Gordon Grant, Chris Hatton, Sheila Hollins, Jane Hubert, Kelley Johnson, Gwynnyth Llewellyn, Heather McAlister, Michelle McCarthy, Alex McClimens, Roy McConkey, David McConnell, Keith McKinstrie, Fiona Mackenzie, Ghazala Mir, Ada Montgomery, Lesley Montisci, Elizabeth Murphy, Chris Oliver, Richard Parrott, Paul Ramcharan, Malcolm Richardson, Bronwyn Roberts, Philippa Russell, Kirsten Stalker, Martin Stevens, John Taylor, Irene Tuffrey-Wijne, Sally Twist, Jan Walmsley, Kate Woodcock

"The editors and contributors are to be congratulated on the production of a relevant and contemporary text that I have no hesitation in both endorsing and recommending to all involved in supporting and or caring for people with learning disabilities."

Professor Bob Gates, Project Leader - Learning Disabilities Workforce Development, NHS Education South Central, UK

"This is a seminal text for students and practitioners, researchers and policy makers."

Associate Professor Keith R. McVilly, Deakin University, Australia

"If I were to personally recommend any book for budding or current learning disability professionals then this would be it."

James Grainger, Student Nurse/Social Worker, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

"The book gives a true wealth of good practice scenarios that can only help practitioners be good at what they do and aspire to be."

Lee Marshall, Student Nurse, Sheffield Hallam University, UK