THIS BOOK PROVIDES A GUIDE TO THE BASIC CONCEPTS AND ISSUES IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL RETARDATION. THERE ARE MANY SOURCES OR CAUSES OF MENTAL RETARDATION AND THE FOLLOWING TYPES ARE EXPLAINED--(1) GENETIC OR CHEMICAL DISORDERS, (2) BIRTH TRAUMA, (3) SUBSEQUENT ACCIDENTS OR DISEASE, AND (4) ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES. IT IS NOTED THAT MOST CASES INVOLVE A COMBINATION OF FACTORS NOT EASILY ASCERTAINED. DEVELOPMENTAL PATTERNS THAT OCCUR WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF RETARDATION AND THE MANY PHYSICAL, PERSONALITY, AND BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONDITION ARE DISCUSSED. VARIOUS METHODS OF INTELLECTUAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND SOCIAL EVALUATIONS ARE PRESENTED ALONG WITH FUTURE POSSIBILITIES FOR MORE EFFECTIVE DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES. THE MANY DIFFICULTIES OF FAMILY ADJUSTMENT, METHODS OF HOME CARE, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL LIVING ARE EVALUATED. VARIOUS PROGRAMS AND PROBLEMS FROM ELEMENTARY THROUGH THE VOCATIONAL LEVEL ARE CONSIDERED. THE AUTHOR FEELS THAT MOST ATTEMPTS TO DEFINE MENTAL RETARDATION ARE INADEQUATE AND PRESENTS A NEW THEORY BASED ON THE CLOSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL RETARDATION AND RETARDED LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT. CROSS REFERENCING BETWEEN CHAPTERS IS PROVIDED AND REFERENCE LISTS RANGING FROM 53-173 ITEMS ARE INCLUDED FOR EACH CHAPTER. THIS DOCUMENT WAS PUBLISHED BY CHARLES E. MERRILL BOOKS, INC., COLUMBUS, OHIO. $7.50. (RS)