Author Description

This practical guidebook provides a basis for understanding and evaluating the impact of medical conditions on the developing brain. Clinical data and applications are combined with a selected review of research on child neurodevelopment. The authors review both normal brain development and the factors which disrupt it, and describe specific developmental disorders and genetic syndromes. The pediatric neurological evaluation is explained, with an emphasis on the neurobehavioral perspective, and a valuable framework for conducting a pediatric neuropsychological evaluation is given, from initial patient contact through assessment, interpretation, and report writing. Recommendations on how to obtain the best samples of behavior are also described. The final section of the book emphasizes the medical and neuropsychological knowledge which is necessary to evaluate children with a variety of common medical diseases and conditions. Specific medical problems that affect brain function are considered in light of their neuropsychological implications. These include hydrocephalus, epilepsy, head trauma, cancer, and cardiovascular and renal disease. The authors focus on patient populations commonly encountered within the pediatric medical setting, and review diagnostic considerations, assessment techniques, and treatments specific to each population. This handbook is essential reading for neuropsychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, rehabilitation specialists and other professionals involved in the care of children with medical conditions which affect brain function.