This multi-disciplinary textbook provides a comprehensive guide for anyone working with people with learning disabilities. It considers how we can engage with people with learning disabilities and their networks of relationships. Throughout, the book demonstrates how theory can be applied to practice with a wide range of contemporary examples.

Each chapter is written by a key clinician or writer in this area, incorporating the disciplines of nursing, clinical psychology, and psychotherapy. The chapters also include summaries, reflective questions and explanations of key terms to reinforce themes and topics. The authors provide practical ideas for applying theory across agency contexts including inpatient hospital settings and explore the potential opportunities and future directions for the field.

This is a must-read book for students who work with people with learning disabilities including nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychiatrists and social workers.

This volume weaves together the most critical work in systemic theory and practice, transforming the terrain of professional practice with people identified with learning disabilities. It offers an abundance of conceptual and practical resources for practitioners, researchers, communities, clients, and families. * Professor Sheila McNamee, Professor of Communication, University of New Hampshire, USA *
A thought provoking text that encourages us all to work towards more effective ways of standing in solidarity with children, young people, men and women with learning disabilities. I would recommend reading, reflecting and acting on its contents. * Ruth Northway, Professor of Learning Disability Nursing, University of South Wales, UK *
This book demonstrates how we might think of working in ways that emphasise the capacities of people with learning disabilities embracing innovative and enabling practices. This will be essential reading for anyone engaged in developing practice that understands disability as a fundamental concern of contemporary society. * Dan Goodley, Professor of Disability Studies and Education, University of Sheffield, UK *

Victoria Jones is a Specialist Systemic Family Psychotherapist, Registered Nurse for People with Learning Disabilities and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Dr Mark Haydon-Laurelut is Senior Psychological Therapist Family and Systemic Psychotherapy/Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Portsmouth, UK