Research on neurodevelopmental disorders has increased markedly in the past decade, hence the appropriateness of this updated edition of Goldstein and Reynold's Handbook of Neurodevelopmental and Genetic Disorders in Children. For pediatric neuropsychologists and other professionals who work with children with neurodevelopmental disorders, the Handbook is an impressive resource. Similar to its predecessor, this is a well-written and thoughtfully organized resource for practitioners and scientists alike.
The 588 pages are divided into three sections and 29 chapters. The first section provides a solid foundation and background in developmental disorders, neuropsychology, and genetics. The second section highlights the underlying genetic components of more common disorders primarily affecting learning and behavior such as Learning Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Tourette syndrome, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Lastly, the third section of this volume presents neurodevelopmental disorders with broader-spectrum effects including seizures, spina bifida, Turner syndrome, Fragile X, Noonan Syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and other low incidence disorders.
Goldstein and Reynolds’ revision incorporates the latest scientific research and clinical practices as well as more focus on efficacious treatment interventions. Several chapters on more commonly seen developmental and behavioral disorders (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Anxiety) are also a nice addition. Other lower base rate disorders are also discussed including mitochondrial diseases, major structural abnormalities, and a brief overview of inborn errors of metabolism. In addition to the discussion of more common developmental, learning, and behavioral disorders, there are several additional strengths of this volume. For instance, most of the chapters read easier than would be expected, given the complex nature of neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders. Some chapters are quite dense, however, such as the chapter on the role of neuroimaging and medical genetics. Yet, it provides a good overview of the genetic contributions to the neurodevelopmental conditions often seen in a pediatric medical setting. Moreover, the Handbook instills a working knowledge of genetics within the field of neuropsychology. The scientific review throughout the book is rigorous and adequately updated in most areas.
As noted, Part I of the book provides a nice overview on neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders. From the perspective of a pediatric neuropsychologist, Chapter 5 on Integrative Developmental Neuropsychology provides useful insights into family, peer, social, and cultural factors in neurodevelopmental disorders that have been minimized in other compendiums. This social-ecological approach to the neuropsychology of children with neurogenetic disorders also reveals practical issues that need to be addressed in the clinical setting.
Part II presents information on disorders primarily affecting learning and behavior. Although the inclusion of these chapters was a nice addition, those working primarily with these populations may not be satisfied with the cursory review. With that said, each chapter reviews the genetics and family patterns associated with the disorders. For instance, Chapter 8 presents the biological and neuropsychological markers of oppositional and aggressive behaviors in children. Although the specific biological and genetic factors that contribute to externalizing behaviors remain under investigation, it appears likely that conduct problems have a genetically heritable component.
Disorders with broader-spectrum effects comprise Part III of the Handbook. Some of the more common genetic and neurodevelopmental disorders include Turner Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Sickle Cell Disease, Down Syndrome, and Neurofibromatosis. In Chapter 18, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), Smith and Baker provide an overview of both the cerebrovascular and non stroke-related causes of neurological compromise. The authors accurately highlight the need for more routine cognitive assessments of patients with SCD, pointing out that more routine evaluations can pave the way for earlier interventions, potentially decreasing the negative impact of the disease on functional cognitive skills. In addition, evaluations can help determine the extent to which adaptations and modifications are needed to assist individuals with this chronic illness. Those working with populations of children with seizure disorders can appreciate the daunting task of summarizing the different epilepsy syndromes and their neuropsychological sequelae. Bennett and colleagues present several helpful charts in this regard including: (1) Neonatal Seizure Classification; (2) International Classification of Seizures and (3) Childhood epilepsy syndromes, peak age at onset, and hallmark features associated with the syndromes.
Updated information on more rare genetic and neurodevelopmental disorders is also included. For instance, Chapter 14 presents information on Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) that are a group of progressive, hereditary diseases that result from abnormalities of glycosaminoglycan metabolism. Despite the low base rate of the six types of MPS disorders, Brown highlights relatively recent literature discussing the underlying genetic contributions, developmental course, medical/neurological and psychosocial complications, as well as interventions and treatments of the disorders. Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (Chapter 23) is another rare inborn error of metabolism (estimated to be present in 1 of 380,000 live births). Despite the rarity of this disorder, Wodrich and Long provide substantive information on the behavioral and preventative treatments. Educational interventions and potentially promising biological treatments are also discussed.
Given the complexity of genetic disorders, this book is not ideal for parents but is certainly appropriate for the “lay” professional. With that said, Goldstein and Reynolds should be commended for bringing together a group of scholarly chapters from experts in their respective fields. Certainly, it is difficult to balance an emphasis on breadth versus depth when addressing the developmental disorders. The Handbook of Neurodevelopmental and Genetic Disorders in Children errs on the side of breadth by including 29 chapters. A refreshing aspect of this book is its homage to more common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disorders, and other behavioral and mood disorders. The Handbook can be thought of as a stand-alone compendium highlighting the impact of genetics on neurodevelopment in children. In summary, I strongly recommend this book, particularly for pediatric specialists and neuropsychologists.
