Developments in clinical neuropsychology: implications for school psychological services
Michael J Cleary1, Albert J Scott
1Department of Public Health and Social Work, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, USA. michael.cleary@sru.edu
The Journal of School Health
|December 17, 2010
Summary
Clinical neuropsychology offers valuable tools for identifying and supporting children with learning disorders. Integrating clinical neuropsychologists with school psychologists enhances assessment and intervention for exceptional students.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- School Psychology
- Child Development
Background:
- A significant number of children and adolescents experience emotional or behavioral issues requiring mental health diagnoses.
- Legislation emphasizes schools' role in supporting cognitive and behavioral development, especially for students with learning challenges.
- The specialty of clinical neuropsychology is expanding, with a focus on its integration into school-based psychological services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neuropsychological underpinnings of childhood learning disorders.
- To explore collaboration between school psychologists and clinical neuropsychologists.
- To enhance support for exceptional children through neuropsychological testing.
Main Methods:
- Review of neuropsychological bases for childhood learning disorders.
- Examination of collaborative models between clinical and school psychologists.
- Discussion of integrating neuropsychological testing into school settings.
Main Results:
- Substantial neurological evidence supports understanding of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and disorders in reading, language, and mathematics.
- Collaborative partnerships can lead to improved assessment protocols.
- Effective intervention services for students with neuropsychological conditions can be developed.
Conclusions:
- Schools are increasingly responsible for students' physical, cognitive, and emotional development, including those with health challenges.
- Growing awareness of learning disorder neurology and legislative mandates necessitate the integration of clinical neuropsychology tools.
- School-based mental health providers must consider full integration of clinical neuropsychology into their services.
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