Call for Papers
Special Issue of JINS:
The Neuropsychology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that involve early insult or abnormality in the developing brain or central nervous system and are associated with a wide spectrum of abilities and deficits. These disorders are common, affecting as many as 1 in 5 children.  The behavioral and cognitive dysfunction associated with early neural damage can range from subtle (or absent) to diffuse and profound. In typical development, functional skills develop along the same developmental timelines as nervous system development; however, in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, the trajectory is often “off developmental track” behaviorally, and maturational timelines based on normal development become less applicable. Recent medical advances have sharply changed the life course of a number of genetic and development conditions, making some more survivable/compatible with life (e.g., very low birth weight preterm infants, hydrocephalus) and extending the expected lifespan of others (e.g., cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and spina bifida).  Due to higher survival rates and lifespans extending into adulthood, increased attention has been given to the development of self-management and independence skills and the transition into older adolescence and young adulthood.

Investigators are invited to submit empirical papers for a special issue of JINS to be published in the first half of 2018. The issue will present innovative empirical findings related to the neuropsychology of specific neurodevelopmental disorders, with emphasis on congenital conditions, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses focused on identification of biomarkers and their relevance to behavioral and medical intervention. Conditions of interest for this special issue list might include (but are not limited to): Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, neurocutaneous disorders (e.g., Sturge-Weber syndrome, Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex), cerebral palsy, spina bifida, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, 22q11.2 deletion syndromes, Kabuki syndrome, Williams syndrome, and sex-chromosome disorders (e.g., Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome). Of less interest for this special issue are more common developmental disorders (Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD), or acquired conditions (e.g., traumatic brain injury).  Research papers are encouraged that explore mechanisms of typical and atypical brain development in these populations using behavioral methodologies, brain mapping (neuroimaging, electrophysiology), and genetics, highlighting key methodological advances in identification and treatment.

Special Issue Co-Organizers:

E. Mark Mahone, PhD
Associate Editor, JINS
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Johns Hopkins University

Seth Warschausky, PhD
Dept. of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
University of Michigan

T. Andrew Zabel, PhD
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Johns Hopkins University

Papers may be submitted at: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jins

Please indicate in your cover letter that your submission is in response to the

call for papers for the special issue on Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Deadline for submission is December 15, 2017.