In the recent literature, the most influential case study books in
neuropsychology are in the adult realm. Pediatric neuropsychology is a
rapidly developing field with increasingly greater influence in the
assessment, diagnosis, early identification, and treatment of childhood
illnesses. This book will provide the first centralized, comprehensive
resource for case studies in pediatric neuropsychology. Not only will
this supply a valuable compilation for the growing numbers of
professionals in this field, but will also serve as an innovative and
appealing resource for therapists, teachers, and others interested in
child development.
This book will be structured in such a way that readers can easily
access individual cases of interest, as well as related areas of
dysfunction. Section breakdowns will be provided in order to highlight
the combined focus of case presentations in acquired neuropsychological
dysfunction as well as developmental disorders. Each section will begin
with an introductory chapter, highlighting the salient feature of the
concept and providing brief, up to date reviews of the current research
and theories. Within each global section, individual case studies will
serve as stand-alone chapters. Contributing authors will be provided
extensive guidance and coaching with regards to the standard format and
information to be included in each chapter.
The first section of this book will present cases involving neurological
disorders. The intention of this section is to provide not only
"classic" examples of neurological dysfunction in children, but also to
provide interesting cases of unique or remarkable presentations. The
second section will present an accumulation of cases representing both
common and progressive conceptualizations of developmental disabilities.
Section three has been designed to highlight cases which often present
complex issues to neuropsychologists. The case examples in this section
will highlight the use of alternative treatments, pathologies that are
often a source of inquiry, and situations that lack the more rigorous
scientific data often utilized in other diagnostic procedures.
Additionally, this section may include chapters on common differential
diagnosis dilemmas in clinical practice. Often multifaceted and even
contradictory evidence can arise during evaluations, resulting in
complex or problematic situations for the clinician. Such examples are
difficult, by their nature, to forecast, but rather would be added
during the book's development, as they occur.
