Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

‘In this book, a series of narrative clinical stories…present nuanced, human-centred perspectives that challenge us to reflect on the ways in which healthcare systems, societal expectations, and personal biases shape the experiences of children and families navigating disability.’

Bernard Dan
Professor, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB); Paediatric neurologist and rehabilitation physician, Inkendaal Rehabilitation Hospital, Belgium

'I began reading this book with great joy and anticipation. Alfred Scherzer has long been a revered figure in the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM), serving the Academy as President in 1986 and Historian for many years, including during my own tenure as a Director at Large. His ability to share stories and offer his experience was formative for me as for many others, and I eagerly welcomed the opportunity to read a collection of his clinical wisdom.

As both an educator and lifelong student, I recognize that stories are the experiences that stay with us—they serve as scaffolding upon which facts and knowledge are built. The human desire to understand others is likely what drew many practitioners to medicine in the first place. Stories give relevance and meaning to knowledge learned in lectures, textbooks, or scientific articles. Indeed, qualitative research and single-case studies are valuable components of the evidence that informs our evidence-based practice.
In this book, Dr Scherzer has curated 28 stories that illuminate the complex and multifaceted nature of neurodevelopmental disabilities, drawing from his experience around the globe. He skillfully avoids overwhelming the reader with standardized outcome measures, imaging findings, or medical jargon. Instead, he invites us into the therapeutic space—into the relationships between parents, children, and physicians. This approach encourages readers to reflect on their own ideas, experiences, and perceptions. In fact, this is the essence of where the book's lessons lie: the possibility for a child to thrive requires a balanced view of their personal strengths and unique capabilities, and family and environmental circumstances that influence their function, alongside any lab tests or movement challenges we may analyze as clinical providers.
The ‘How to Use This Book’ guide offers practical suggestions for engaging with the material and reflects the thoughtful curation behind the work and is an essential stop for all readers before diving into the stories.
Complementing the narratives, Erika Cloodt (of Lund University, Sweden) enriches each chapter with thought-provoking and reflective questions designed for both new and experienced clinicians. These prompts encourage personal reflection and discussion with colleagues, reinforcing the habit of reflective practice—an essential component of clinical reasoning and compassionate care. Each chapter is just the right length: enough story to evoke a response and direct attention to a specific topic, with ample space for deeper exploration. The habit of reflective practice is important to cultivate along with clinical reasoning and other aspects of care and this book is an invitation and a method by which to do this.
By expecting readers to bring their own experiences and perspectives into each story, the authors have created a work that is timeless in its relevance. They encourage curiosity, challenge assumptions, and foster a holistic understanding of each family's journey. I look forward to sharing this book with my students and colleagues and engaging in meaningful conversations for years to come'.
Theresa Sukal-Moulton
Northwestern University – Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA