This powerful, high-yield guidebook sheds crucial light on a rapidly growing and yet underrepresented, vulnerable and unique population of individuals: those who are affected by one or more developmental disabilities.The first section provides background and lays out the medical disease associations and unique physical, emotional and mental characteristics potentially influencing the care of individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or an autism spectrum disorder. The book then proceeds to describe evidence-based strategies specific to first responders and ambulatory and inpatient healthcare providers, as well as special needs individuals, their family, and caregiver(s).This book serves as a critical reference guide, and provides illuminating background and key evidence-based strategies. With its compelling and essential lessons and thought-provoking imagery, it is a must-read for physicians, nurses, firefighters, EMTs, individuals with a disability and their families and caregivers alike.