The Bible of Child/Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychology Has Been Written

Extract

The Neuropsychological Evaluation of the Child. Ida Sue Baron. 2004. New York: Oxford University Press. 454 pp., $79.95 (HB).

It is with extreme pleasure that I write a review of this outstanding text, and also pride that I was selected to be the reviewer. When Dr. Lezak mailed me the book with a request to write a review for JINS, I literally called her and thanked her for this opportunity. I should note, this was not because I would receive a complimentary copy of The Neuropsychological Evaluation of the Child, as I had already purchased and read the text, and ordered an additional copy for my clinic and trainees' access. Dr. Baron has provided those of us in the field of child/pediatric neuropsychology with has long been needed: a general background on clinical issues in conducting neurocognitive assessments with children and adolescents, along with practical matters and concerns, such as how to cope with the varying needs of different referral sources, and providing feedback to parents. Moreover, and most essential, the text comprehensively reviews neuropsychological measures under all cognitive domains, and presents exhaustively researched historical and current normative data for the developmental population. This compilation is an excellently written book that is comprehensive, detailed, current, thoughtful, and an invaluable reference for every child and pediatric neuropsychologist. Indeed, our colleagues who specialize in adult neuropsychological evaluations would well benefit from reading the text because the clinical insights are germane to all ages, and the normative data will enrich their understanding of brain function and progression throughout the development years.