Historical Perspectives in the Development of Neuropsychology as a Professional Psychological Specialty

Abstract

The growth of neuropsychology, and clinical neuropsychology in particular, has been rapid though poorly documented. Although clinical neuropsychology texts provide overviews on theories of brain function, only a few review how the field developed. This lack of information is not typical of related disciplines (e.g., neurology) or of other specialties within psychology (e.g., clinical psychology). Clinical psychology, for example, has experienced rapid growth over the past 25–40 years and its development is well documented (Fox, 1982; Fox, Barclay, & Rogers, 1982).