Pediatric neuropsychology.

Abstract

The number of children who survive life-threatening illnesses, injuries, and congenital disorders has increased steadily with advances in medical technology (Wallander & Thompson, 1995). Neurological impairments are common among survivors and can result in physical, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities. These children and their families often require medical rehabilitation services to optimize functional outcomes and improve quality of life. The primary role of the pediatric neuropsychologist on the rehabilitation team is to assess each child's level of cognitive and behavioral functioning in order to assist with treatment planning.Children treated in medical rehabilitation vary widely in the nature and complexity of their presenting problems (Richards, Elliott, Cotliar, & Stevenson, 1995). From a neuropsychological perspective, children can be classified into four main groups. Many children experience sudden onset, acquired brain injury as a result of events such as head trauma, stroke, viral and infectious diseases, and hypoxic injuries. Some youngsters experience more gradual, insidious declines in functioning because of diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS), such as brain tumors, leukemia, and other forms of cancer; they often receive rehabilitation services following debilitating treatment regimens. Others have neurodevelopmental disorders, including cerebral palsy and spina bifida (see chapter 6), with primary physical dysfunction and increased risk of cognitive deficits. A fourth group consists of children receiving rehabilitation services for injuryor illness-related physical disabilities that are not typically associated with cerebral damage (e.g. , burns, amputation, juvenile rheu-377