Developmental Neuropsychology : A Clinical Approach

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.

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