Treating Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Clinical Research and
Practice. Janet E. Farmer, Jacobus Donders, and Seth Warschausky
(Eds.). 2006. New York: Guilford Press. 336 pp., $48.00 (HB).
Born of a “growing frustration over the lack of evidence
available to guide interventions for children with disabilities” (p.
xiii), this volume was undertaken to address a major gap in the
literature. Its editors attempt to end the frustration both for themselves
and their colleagues. Moreover, they enlist the aid of well-known figures
in neuropsychology to assist them in this effort and contribute some of
their own important conceptualizations. The volume is divided into three
parts: (I) Overview, (II) Psychological and Social Aspects of Childhood
Disability, and (III) Innovative Treatment Strategies. The text is
organized well and its clarity and easy to read format makes it ideal for
professionals looking for concisely written chapters that highlight
current research. Each chapter smoothly transitions to the next despite
the broad coverage inherent to the topic of neurodevelopmental
disabilities. Excellent use of graphs and charts illustrate central
research points, pertinent ideas, and core treatment elements. Although
one might expect a neurodevelopmental disabilities text to focus primarily
on children and the significant impact on the family system, this volume
does not neglect the impact of these disabilities in adults.