Medical Pediatric Psychology Has Come of Age

Extract

In the last line of the forward to Pediatric Neuropsychology, Arthur Benton stated that “pediatric neuropsychology has come of age.” This volume provides ample support for this statement. It demonstrates how the field of pediatric neuropsychology has developed and matured, but it also reminds us of the many questions that remain unanswered. Its focus is on the neurobehavioral sequelae of various medical disorders such as epilepsy, meningitis, and diabetes. It does not address, however, the neurobehavioral outcomes associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. As indicated by Byron Rourke in his commentary (chapter 20), “these are important areas of pediatric neuropsychological research that merit attention because of their theoretical and clinical relevance” (p. 476). I agree with Dr. Rourke's statement that they should be covered in a book that deals with pediatric neuropsychology and would also encourage the editors to include them in a second edition should it be forthcoming. Despite this shortcoming, this book is an excellent reference for both researchers and clinicians in pediatric neuropsychology. Further, because of its multidisciplinary nature it may be of interest to other professionals who work with and treat children with various medical disorders that have neurobehavioral sequelae such as pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, pediatric psychiatrists and medical geneticists.