Now more than ever, with the move toward desinstitutionalization and living in community settings, persons with intellectual disabilities are asserting their right to make major and minor decisions. What happens when a person with limited cognitive abilities makes a decision that could harm him or her? Is the interest in "protecting" an individual more important than his or her autonomy?

A Guide to Consent examines such consent issues and explores legal implications of self-determination. Written by a nationally recognized committee of experts and practitioners, the book focuses on critical life events for people with mental retardation. Practical applications of consent in areas such as adult guardianship, sexual activity, home ownership, legal representation, courts system, and extraordinary interventions are explored. Parents, professionals, lawyers, doctors, ethicists, and advocates interested in cognitive disabilities can benefit from reading this book.