This handbook addresses the medical and social aspects of intellectual disability, then known as mental retardation. It aims to provide comprehensive information for medical professionals and caregivers. The book synthesizes available knowledge at the time of its publication to offer guidance on diagnosis, management, and support.

The AMA Handbook on Mental Retardation, published in 1987, reflects the medical and societal understanding of intellectual disability at that time. Its approach is characteristic of comprehensive medical reference works, aiming to consolidate expert knowledge for practitioners. The terminology used, such as 'mental retardation,' is now considered outdated and potentially offensive, highlighting the evolution of language and understanding in disability studies.