Theories in Child Neuropsychology
conceptual and methodological foundations that explain the development of the nervous system and its psychological functions in children, as well as the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors that affect behavior, learning and cognitive abilities. These theories lay the groundwork for understanding the development of higher mental functions such as attention, memory, language, executive function, and social interaction, as well as the impact of neurological disorders or early trauma on this development. These theories combine the results of neurological, psychological, and behavioral research to provide a comprehensive view of the stages of neuropsychological development, from early childhood to school years and adolescence. They explain how higher mental functions gradually develop in the process of the child’s interaction with the environment and how genetic factors, neural representations, educational and emotional experiences affect the maturation of these functions. These theories also focus on understanding the relationships between neural structure and psychological functions, such as between the frontal lobe and planning and organization, or between temporal areas and language memory. They provide a scientific basis for explaining developmental disorders, learning difficulties, and attention and behavior disorders, allowing professionals to develop intervention and education programs based on neurological and cognitive foundations to promote healthy growth and psychological adaptation of children.