Developmental Neuropsychology: A Clinical Approach(Brain, Behaviour and Cognition)

This fully updated edition of Developmental Neuropsychology: A Clinical Approach addresses key issues in child neuropsychology with a unique emphasis on evidence-informed clinical practice rather than research issues. Although research findings are presented, they are described with emphasis on what is relevant for assessment, treatment and management of paediatric conditions. The authors focus on a number of areas. First, the text examines the natural history of childhood central nervous system (CNS) insult, highlighting studies where children have been followed over time to determine the impact of injury on ongoing development. Second, processes of normal and abnormal cerebral and cognitive development are outlined and the concepts of brain plasticity and the impact of early CNS insult discussed. Third, using a number of common childhood CNS disorders as examples, the authors develop a model which describes the complex interaction among biological, psychosocial and cognitive factors in the brain-injured child. Finally, principles of evidence-based assessment, diagnosis and intervention are discussed. The text will be of use on advanced undergraduate courses in developmental neuropsychology, postgraduate clinical training programmes and for professionals working with children in clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology and educational and rehabilitation contexts. The text is also an important reference for those working in paediatric research.

Table of Contents:
The authors Acknowledgements Part 1: Defining the neurodevelopmental dimension Ch 1: Child neuropsychology: Theory and practice Ch 2: The Developing Brain Ch 3: Cognitive and social development Ch 4: Recovery from early brain insult Part 2: Childhood brain disorders Ch 5: Genetic and metabolic brain disorders Ch 6: Structural disorders of the brain Ch 7: Perinatal brain insults Ch 8: Neurodevelopmental Disorders Ch 9: Childhood traumatic brain injury Ch 10: Childhood epilepsy Part 3: Child neuropsychological practice Ch 11: Child neuropsychological practice: Assessment Ch 12: Interventions for children with brain disorders

About the Author :
Professor Vicki Anderson is a paediatric neuropsychologist with over 30 years' experience. In 2002 she was appointed Director of Psychology at the Royal Children's Hospital, and in 2005 she took up the position of Theme Director, Critical Care and Neurosciences Research at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. She is an NHMRC Senior Practitioner Fellow, and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences Australia, the Australian Psychological Society and the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment Elisabeth Norman is an honorary member of the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences Dr Jacquiline Wrennall is a member of the Psychology Service at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne and an honorary member of the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

Review :
"Using an interdisciplinary and holistic approach towards developmental neuropsychology, the authors provide an excellent overview of the causes, treatment, and clinical management of paediatric conditions and relay some of the myths about early brain injury in children. This book will be of interest to clinicians, psychologists, and post-graduate students with a background in neuropsychology and an interest in clinical practice." - Jo Van Herwegen, Associate Professor in Developmental Psychology, Kingston University London "This very sophisticated yet highly accessible book is a must-have for academics, clinicians and educators working in the field of paediatric neuropsychology. It provides extensive, up-to-date research coverage of a wide range of neurological-based disorders within the context of current models that emphasise the interaction of ‘risk’ and ‘resilience’ factors that determine long-term outcome. Equally well-covered are clinical aspects of neurological disorders; the authors rightly emphasise not just cognitive-based formulations, assessment and interventions, but also give due weight to psychosocial and family aspects. Case studies provide effective illustrations of good clinical practice." - Valerie Muter, Consultant Paediatric Neuropsychologist and Honorary Research Associate in Neurosciences at University College London "This completely updated and extended edition of Developmental Neuropsychology provides a unique resource of empirical evidence on normal and abnormal child brain development, assessment and intervention. The volume offers a comprehensive overview of the neuropsychological sequels of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders and brain insults, framed within the necessary background information on defining characteristics, epidemiology, aetiology, and pathophysiology, and implications for assessment and intervention." - Jaap Oosterlaan, Professor of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Emma Children's Hospital AMC, VU Medical Center, and Vrije Universiteit, The Netherlands