This book is a user friendly approach for any caregivers (therapists, family, friends, etc) who work with adults with very challenging issues related to profound mental retardation. The authors have found, through hands on experience, that these people can learn and can greatly benefit from interventions designed specifically to increase their skills and quality of life. The three authors believe that an activity-based program can be not only beneficial but also fun for everyone involved. With that in mind, all activities (called Scenarios in this book) are designed to be easy, adaptable, and based on specific areas of need and growth.

The core of this book are Chapters 1-11. Chapter 1 begins by giving the reader very important basic information on this population: what types of physical, sensory and communication issues will likely be present. The second chapter is an extremely useful guide to structuring programs and activities for both groups and individuals. Chapter 3 is a description of communication issues and a useful tool for the very difficult process of understanding and communicating.

Chapter 4 introduces the reader to the Scenarios with a very valuable guide for implementing the Scenarios, referred to as Important Considerations. These include how to prompt people, how to talk to them, how to encourage social interaction, how to adapt activities, how to create a safe environment for everyone, and how to create opportunities for inclusion and learning.

Chapters 5-11 make up the largest part of the book, the activity-based Scenarios: each one includes a purpose, materials, preferred setting, procedure, and reminders for the best possible experience. The Scenarios are grouped by these categories: Activities Of Daily Living, Sensory Stimulation, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Cognitive, Communication, and Social/Recreation. The last part of the book provides materials and resources for the Scenarios. 2005 (ISBN 1-891278-32-0) 108 page, $29.