An Overview of Pediatric Neuropsychology

Abstract

Pediatric neuropsychology is a specialized subfield of neuropsychology about cognitive functions and behavior in children and adolescents. This chapter attempts to provide an overview of the conceptual framework of pediatric neuropsychological assessment and intervention, referring to frequent neurodevelopmental disorders, and congenital or acquired neurological conditions. Emphasis is put on differentiating atypical from neurotypical development, understanding cultural, familial and academic context influences, as well as the ethical challenges that are frequent when working with pediatric populations. The chapter attempts to synthesize research, theory, and current clinical practices, by integrating findings from scientific studies to provide a general framework for practitioners, trainees, and researchers. The main goal is to highlight how neuropsychological assessment, interventions, and longitudinal monitoring through re-evaluation can optimize the intervention outcomes for children and adolescents facing neurodevelopmental challenges.