Neurodevelopmental Disorders In Children And Adolescents

Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents provides an innovative perspective on developmental disorders in youth, one focused on embracing and working with the "messiness" and many variables at play in child and adolescent development. The volume’s approach is aligned with the NIMH Research Domain Criteria project, which hopes to move away from categorical diagnosis toward multidimensional analysis. Each chapter focuses on a particular aspect of development, cluster of diagnoses, or clinical concern. The book also emphasizes humility, an awareness of diversity and difference without stigma, and support for collaborative and integrative healthcare. This is an essential volume for practitioners hoping to improve how they evaluate and treat developmental disorders in children.

Recognized as the definitive reference in the field, this book addresses a broad range of biologically based disorders that affect children's learning and development. Leading authorities review the genetics of each disorder; its course and outcome; associated developmental, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges; and what clinicians and educators need to know about effective approaches to assessment and intervention. Coverage encompasses more frequently diagnosed learning and behavior problems with a genetic component as well as numerous lower-incidence neurodevelopmental disabilities. Illustrations include 12 color plates.

This cutting-edge book brings advances in genetics, neurobiology, and psychopharmacology to the clinic to enhance treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders. Significant progress has been made in identifying the neurobiological mechanisms of several disorders and targeted treatments are modifying the outcome of these disorders. However, the ability to utilize this knowledge has not been summarized in one place for the practicing clinician. This book will fill that gap by providing the theoretical underpinnings and the latest advances in targeted treatments. Several neurodevelopmental disorders are reviewed in detail including clinical features and behavioral phenotypes, standard treatments and new targeted treatments based on the latest advances in neurobiology and the animal model studies that have lead to new treatments. The disorders covered include psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, depression, autism and ADHD; single gene disorders including Tuberous Sclerosis, Fragile X Syndrome and fragile X- associated disorders, Angelman Syndrome, PKU, and Muscular Dystrophies; and complex genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. This book also highlights the commonalities across disorders and new genetic and molecular concepts in an easy to read format. This is a very exciting time for new targeted treatments and this volume is a landmark treatise on this new age of treatment.

This essential guide is a research-based practical handbook for assessing global developmental delay and other neurodevelopmental disorders in young children. It explains diagnostic, support, and treatment services available for children and their families, clarifying psychological and medical terminology, and global legislative and societal factors relating to assessment. Designed as a comprehensive compendium for student and practicing psychologists, it offers an introduction to historical perspectives around child development and developmental disorders, and how these have affected our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. It explains professional and ethical considerations surrounding the clinical practice of developmental assessments, and focuses on the crucial importance of understanding and supporting the parental experience of assessment and diagnosis. Key topics covered include: definitions and descriptions of genetic and chromosomal disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders; eligibility criteria for support and assistance; the Griffiths Scales, Bayley Scales, and other notable assessments for young children; autism spectrum disorder; the process of assessment and diagnosis, diagnostic tools, and report writing. Including a chapter of illustrative case studies of children with developmental disorders, this book will be essential reading for educational, clinical, and developmental psychologists working with children and their families, as well as post-graduate students training in the field.

This practical guide presents approaches to working with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities who have sleep problems. Divided into four sections, the book begins with the impact of sleep problems in children with disabilities and the evaluation of sleep complaints. The next two sections cover the major categories of sleep disorders as they apply in children with disabilities, and specific neurodevelopmental disabilities with their characteristic sleep manifestations. The last section details options for treatment, which include behavioral and environmental strategies, occupational therapy, exercise, and medications. Chapters feature case studies that introduce and reinforce diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Those engaged in the care of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and sleep problems will find this text to be an invaluable guide when assessing and treating sleep disorders.

Increasingly more and more children with developmental disabilities survive into adulthood. Pediatricians and other clinicians are called upon to care for an increasing number of children with developmental disabilities in their practice and thus there is a need for a practical guide specifically written for paediatricians and primary care clinicians that addresses major concepts of neurodevelopmental pediatrics. In the United States, the specialty training leading to a conjoint board certification by the American Board of Pediatrics and American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, requires a total of 6 years of training (2 years of pediatrics, 1 year of neurology, 18 months of child neurology, 18 months of neurodevelopmental disabilities). As of December 2006, in the US, there were 241 pediatricians and 55 child neurologists certified in the subspecialty of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. Thus most of the children with developmental disabilities are seen by pediatricians and therefore it is important for these pediatricians to be well informed of common issues in the field. The 60,000 or so pediatricians in the United States (and hundreds more in other countries) are the main target audience for a practical book on neurodevelopmental pediatrics.

People with neurological disorders may experience significant problems, isolation, detachment, and passivity while dealing with environmental requests. They constantly rely on caregivers and family assistance, which can create negative outcomes on their quality of life. An emerging way to overcome these issues is assistive technology-based interventions (AT). AT-based programs are designed to fill the gap between human/individual capacities or skills and environmental requests. These technologies can also bring about independence and self-determination and provide people with neurological disorders an active role, positive participation, and an enhanced status in being able to achieve functional daily activities by reducing the roles of their families and caregivers. The positive impacts of this technology are an important area of research, and its usage for neurological disorders is critical for the assessment and recovery of patients. Assistive Technologies for Assessment and Recovery of Neurological Impairments explores the use of AT-based programs for promoting independence and self-determination of individuals with neurological disorders. The chapters discuss AT-based interventions in detail with the specific technologies that are being used, the positive effects on patients, and evidence-based practices. This book also focuses on specific technologies such as virtual reality (VR) setups and augmented reality (AR) as valid ecological environments for patients that ensure methodological control and behavioral tracking for both assessment and rehabilitation purposes. This book is essential for occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, neurologists, caregivers, psychologists, practitioners, medical professionals, medical technologists, IT consultants, academicians, and students interested in assistive technology interventions for people with neurological impairments.

Healthy mental, emotional, and behavioral (MEB) development is a critical foundation for a productive adulthood. Much is known about strategies to support families and communities in strengthening the MEB development of children and youth, by promoting healthy development and also by preventing and mitigating disorder, so that young people reach adulthood ready to thrive and contribute to society. Over the last decade, a growing body of research has significantly strengthened understanding of healthy MEB development and the factors that influence it, as well as how it can be fostered. Yet, the United States has not taken full advantage of this growing knowledge base. Ten years later, the nation still is not effectively mitigating risks for poor MEB health outcomes; these risks remain prevalent, and available data show no significant reductions in their prevalence. Fostering Healthy Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Development in Children and Youth: A National Agenda examines the gap between current research and achievable national goals for the next ten years. This report identifies the complexities of childhood influences and highlights the need for a tailored approach when implementing new policies and practices. This report provides a framework for a cohesive, multidisciplinary national approach to improving MEB health.

The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate daily time management (DTM) and time-related interventions aiming to enhance participation in everyday activities among school-age children and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders. In study I, experiences of participation when using time assistive devices (TADs) in daily activities were investigated from the perspective of young adults (aged 17–37) with intellectual disabilities (ID) (n = 9), using semi structured interviews. In studies II and IV, a new multimodal time-related intervention consisting of psychoeducation, compensation with TADs and time-skills training, was investigated in children aged 9–15 with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Study II was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with an intervention group (n = 19) and a control group (n = 19). The aim of study III was to describe DTM, time processing ability (TPA) and self-rated autonomy in children aged 9–15 with ADHD (n = 47), compared to children with ID (n = 47) and typically developing (TD) children (n = 47). In study IV, occupational performance and satisfaction were evaluated (n = 27). In studies II, III and IV, a source for data collection included assessment, proxy report and self-reports. Using TADs (study I) increased participation in activities in all areas of daily life: self-care, activities at work or school and leisure time activities. A feeling of having more control led to health benefits. Participants described participation restrictions related to attitudes from their social network towards participation and attitudes towards the use of TADs from the individuals themselves. Study II showed that the children in the intervention group increased their TPA significantly more compared to the control group, mostly in terms of time orientation. The parents in the intervention group rated their children’s DTM as significantly more improved compared to the parents of the children in the control group. However, according to the children themselves, there was no statistically significant improvement in their DTM. The psychoeducation for parents and school staff did not increase children’s TPA and DTM on its own. The majority of parents and children (study IV) rated the children’s occupational performance and satisfaction significantly higher at follow-up than at baseline. In general, children rated their occupational performance and satisfaction higher than their parents did. Most goals decided by the children and their parents involved daily routines and time orientation. Study III showed that children with ADHD and children with ID had significantly lower TPA, DTM and autonomy compared to TD children. Children with ADHD showed higher levels of self-rated autonomy compared to children with ID, but the reverse was found in DTM. However, there was significant diversity among children with ADHD and children with ID, which was not explained by age. Some children had difficulties at every level of TPA, while others were skilled at every level. The level of self-rated autonomy followed the level of TPA. In conclusion, this thesis revealed that children with ADHD and ID have the same overall pattern of TPA but may have a delayed TPA, which affects their DTM and autonomy, and thereby also influences their participation in daily activities. The results show that a multimodal time-related intervention using TADs and time-skills training could increase TPA and DTM in children with ADHD aged 9–15 years with time deficits. Experiences from young adults with ID also show increased participation in daily activities and health benefits using TADs. It is recommended that TPA and DTM should be measured to identify difficulties in TPA and DTM in children with ADHD and to offer tailored time-related interventions in addition to medication.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of neurodevelopmental disorders comprising motor, speech, cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions. Childhood and adolescent disorders ranging from dyslexia to schizophrenia and including autism, motor disorders and the attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome are presented from the perspectives of genetics, developmental psychology, clinical neurology and psychiatry. A multiprofessional team of experts from the various fields has contributed to this volume, which is aimed at clinicians and researchers alike. The reader will find up to date coverage of the clinically most relevant neurodevelopmental disorders with regard to pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment.