2nd Edition

Rehabilitation of Neuropsychological Disorders A Practical Guide for Rehabilitation Professionals

Edited By Brick Johnstone, Henry H. Stonnington Copyright 2009
    298 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    304 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    Many contemporary neuropsychology texts focus on neuropathology, the description of specific tests, and the differential diagnosis of central nervous system disorders. However, increasingly sophisticated neuroradiological techniques, managed care factors, and the growth of rehabilitation necessitates that rehabilitation professionals provide more functionally (versus diagnostically) useful evaluations to improve the neuropsychological functioning and community integration of persons with brain injuries or diseases. This book aims to fill this gap and to provide an overview of standard neuropsychological treatment strategies for specific cognitive impairments that are identified on testing. The new edition enhances this goal with three chapters outlining important recommendations, services, and issues for rehabilitation professionals.

    Written by a team of experienced scientists and professionals, the volume provides a universal taxonomy of neuropsychological abilities (emphasizing relatively simple terms), with a list of basic rehabilitation strategies to improve impairments identified in general cognitive domains. Specific chapters are included on the neuropsychological remediation of memory, attention, language, visual-spatial skills, and executive function impairments. Each chapter proposes a taxonomy of relatively unitary cognitive constructs (e.g., divided attention, sustained attention, focused attention), lists tests which may be used to assess each cognitive construct, and provides specific rehabilitation strategies to improve or accommodate the identified neuropsychological impairments. The final chapters cover basic resources and issues of which the rehabilitation professional needs to be aware (vocational rehabilitation, disability determination, and guardianship issues).

    This new edition provides a wealth of useful information for family members, rehabilitation professionals, and others who work with persons with brain injury in improving the community functioning for those with brain dysfunction. An accompanying website facilitates access to the resources and strategies from the book, allowing the practitioner to cut and paste these recommendations into their clinical reports.

    B. Johnstone, H.H. Stonnington, Introduction. T. Levitt, B. Johnstone, The Assessment and Rehabilitation of Attention Disorders. R.L. Skeel, S.Edwards, The Assessment and Rehabilitation of Memory Impairments. C.D. Callahan, The Assessment and Rehabilitation of Executive Function Disorders. J. Shaw, The Assessment and Rehabilitation of Visual-spatial Disorders. D.Holland, C. Larimore, The Assessment and Rehabilitation of Language Disorders. National and Community Resources for Neuropsychological Disorders. K.L. Franklin, J. Harper, State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs. S. Enck, T.A. Martin, Disability Determinations. C.L. Shigaki, M.L. Smith, Resources for Individuals with Neuropsychological Disorders. S.A. Reid-Arndt, G. Evans, Understanding Guardianship Issues: An Overview for Rehabilitation Professionals.

    Biography

    Brick Johnstone, Henry H. Stonnington

    "Even seasoned practitioners will, no doubt, find useful and practical information within its covers and made easy by its accessible organization and straightforward language. The potential utility of much of this material is limited neither to traditional rehabilitation diagnostic groups nor to neuropsychologists practicing within rehabilitation settings. To an academic neuropsychologist of nearly 25 years who trained, and has subsequently practiced and taught, in both outpatient assessment clinics and inpatient rehabilitation settings, Rehabilitation of Neuropsychological Disorders spoke my language. Our assessment work can only be enhanced by joining this conversation." - Michael L. Stutts, Clinical Professor, Eastern Virginia Medical School, USA in Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology