ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the elements necessary for neuropsychological evaluation, where the clinician is often required to integrate test data with medical information, to obtain an understanding of the child's presenting difficulties. The assessment framework attempts to utilise elements from each of the developmental assessment models described earlier. Current knowledge of central nervous system (CNS) structure and function remains far from complete, particularly during the developmental period. In some instances the aim is to provide information regarding the integrity of the CNS, which may then be used to inform medical diagnoses and treatment decisions. Most measures employed in neuropsychological assessment derive from experimental psychology, cognitive psychology, and psychometric research. Neuropsychological approaches to rehabilitation and remediation for children with either acquired or developmental CNS disorders usually fall into two broad categories adaptation and compensation each of which attempts to minimise the consequences of neurobehavioural impairments and maximise the opportunity to utilise the child's strengths.
