PSY6164 - Developmental Neuropsychology - 2018

Students are introduced to issues relevant to the neuropsychological assessment and management of children and adolescents. The development of the central nervous system, with emphasis on developmental stages, cognitive development, neurodevelopmental abnormalities and theories associated with recovery of function, will be reviewed. Students examine the neuropsychological sequelae of common, acquired cerebral disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, epilepsy and childhood cancers. The sequelae of congenital and developmental disorders, such learning disability, are also be explored. Psychosocial and treatment issues associated with these disorders are also be addressed together with guidelines for paediatric clinical practice. Students also become familiar with the use of appropriate paediatric neuropsychology assessment tools and learn the skills required to obtain a comprehensive history from parents, teachers, hospital case notes and other relevant information sources. The importance of conveying neuropsychological findings and recommendations in a clear and interpretable manner for non-psychology professionals, such as teachers and carers, is also be an area of focus.

On completion of this unit students will:

1. Be familiar with the main stages of central nervous system development, and the impact of these stages on normal cognitive functioning;
2. Be fully aware of the impact that various neurodevelopmental disorders, various neuropsychiatric disorders or several kinds of acquired brain injury might be expected to have on the development of cognitive skills;
3. Be familiar with theories of recovery function during childhood and adolescence, and appropriate rehabilitation and management strategies;
4. Be competent in taking a comprehensive case history, in selecting and administering neuropsychological tests suitable for each developmental period, and interpreting the results of these;
5. Be able to effectively impart their neuropsychological findings and recommendations to non-professionals such as parents and teachers; and
6. Feel confident working with children, parents, teachers and professional childcare workers.

Case Study (33.3%)

WISC-V Assessment (33.3%)

Summary of a specific Neurodevelopmental disorder (33.4%)

Psychology