Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Proactive Intervention (2nd ed.). J. L. Blosser and R. DePompei. Independence, KY: Delmar Thomson Learning, 2003. $49.95.
Blosser and Depompei's second edition of their book is a notable replacement for their original text. The chapters are updated and contain expanded information about the field of pediatric traumatic brain injury. Both authors are recognized as national experts in this field and the first edition of their book gained wide acceptance by professionals. This new edition will be equally heralded across its wide intended audience for its presentation of a collaborative framework to support children and their families throughout the child and adolescent years.
The authors have divided their book into four sections: understanding the scope of the problem; assessment of cognitive-communicative needs using a problem-solving approach; treating of cognitive-communicative needs using an interactive approach; and applying proactive planning and intervention. Their book also has six appendices with a wealth of additional resources-everything from test resources to developing individual education plans.
In the first section, Blosser and DePompei carefully detail the scope of the problem by identifying critical issues facing children and families, as well as data on incidence and causes of pediatric brain injury. They not only review current clinical knowledge on brain injury, but also review federal laws that support the needs of youth with brain injuries. Chapters 3 and 4 present a philosophy for treatment that addresses the challenges children and their families experience as they move through the medical and community worlds. They suggest that the continuum of care model is insufficient to "explain the concepts surrounding the injury and to help with the reintegration into the community." They propose a "circle of community independence" model in which multiple providers encircle the child. Including activities focused on prevention, the model conceptualizes pediatric brain injury as a "community issue," rather than just a "medical issue."
The second section looks at the assessment of cognitive-communicative concerns using a problem-solving approach versus a traditional, static evaluation model. Chapter 5, in particular, has many checklists and information-gathering strategies for readers to copy and use. In addition, the authors have developed decision-making trees that teams can use to help them identify specific problems areas (e.g., memory, receptive/expressive language, executive functioning).
Sections 3 and 4 look at treatment planning and application. Topics include interactive approaches, modifying the environment, educational planning, and proactive intervention strategies. The authors detail the application of treatment strategies within the child's "work place" (i.e., school) and the carry over of these strategies into home and community. Once again, useful and practical treatment planning tools and checklists are included to help teams apply proactive interventions. However, some experienced readers may want more information on meta-cognitive strategies, especially executive functioning and self-monitoring that are not part of this book.
The remainder of this textbook includes six appendices that are practitioner-friendly and serve as excellent resources on topics such as professional training, test resources, language demands, and curriculum. Notably, Appendix F has sample individualized education and individualized transition plans that are especially useful for teachers.
Overall this is a textbook that professionals working with children with traumatic brain injuries will find very beneficial. The models and strategies that authors present are well referenced and carefully presented. The various checklists, data sheets, and forms will be helpful to therapists, educators, and psychologists, as well as families. Although Blosser and DePompei have comprehensively covered the cognitive-communication needs of this population, the resources in the appendices will further support readers using this textbook as a continuing reference.