Singular and pervasive as a theme in this text is the admonition to look beyond a child's gross handicaps into other areas of possible malfunction which will prevent realization of his full potential. This volume complements its predecessor of 1965 on motor assessment (see Book Reviews, Amer J Dis Child110:340, 1965) by citing methods for examination of sensory intake, communication abilities and mental development. As in vol I, Dr. Holt now with co-author Dr. Reynell has liberally injected his expertise of fresh ideas and organization of existing methods.
All sections—vision, hearing and language, psychological—describe and illustrate testing techniques and pitfalls, but rightfully hedge on interpretation of results by the pediatrician. One is left with a healthy respect for the skills of the specialist. At the same time, useful clinical screening methods are presented. In the section on vision, for example, a table of results from the tests of recognizing and