Neurodevelopmental Disability Primer

Extract

Treating Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Clinical Research and Practice. Janet E. Farmer, Jacobus Donders, and Seth Warschausky (Eds.). 2006. New York: Guilford Press. 336 pp., $48.00 (HB).

Born of a “growing frustration over the lack of evidence available to guide interventions for children with disabilities” (p. xiii), this volume was undertaken to address a major gap in the literature. Its editors attempt to end the frustration both for themselves and their colleagues. Moreover, they enlist the aid of well-known figures in neuropsychology to assist them in this effort and contribute some of their own important conceptualizations. The volume is divided into three parts: (I) Overview, (II) Psychological and Social Aspects of Childhood Disability, and (III) Innovative Treatment Strategies. The text is organized well and its clarity and easy to read format makes it ideal for professionals looking for concisely written chapters that highlight current research. Each chapter smoothly transitions to the next despite the broad coverage inherent to the topic of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Excellent use of graphs and charts illustrate central research points, pertinent ideas, and core treatment elements. Although one might expect a neurodevelopmental disabilities text to focus primarily on children and the significant impact on the family system, this volume does not neglect the impact of these disabilities in adults.