ABSTRACT

This chapter presents an overview of relevant issues in assessing children and young adolescents. It also addresses general issues in child neuropsychological assessment are addressed. The chapter then discusses the types of child assessment and models of influence applied in child or adolescent cases. It further presents a broad model of areas to be examined when this age group is assessed. The content of the clinical interview and the essential elements of a comprehensive examination and report are also described. The child neuropsychologist must have a clear view of the emergence of normal functional abilities with which to compare the behavior of a child who has suffered from some type of brain lesion. The neuropsychological examination of a child or young adolescent involves assessment of several broad domains of functioning: biological, social-interpersonal and educational. The chapter finally explains the current needs and future directions in child neuropsychological assessment.