Developmental neuropsychology: A behavioral genetic perspective

The study of developmental behavioral genetics has become increasingly popular over the last several decades as the study of biological influences on behavior has become more accepted in psychology in general. This special issue of Developmental Neuropsychology is a testament to the fact that there has been an increase in the number of researchers who are interested in the study of genetic influences on behaviors from a neuropsychological perspective. The inclusion of a behavior genetic perspective in neuropsychological research allows a more in-depth exploration of the ways in which both heritable and environmental influences affect basic biological behaviors, which opens the way for a greater understanding of the gene-brain-behavior pathway. The articles that comprise this special issue take a neuropsychological perspective as they explore a variety of topics across a range of ages. Thus, this issue provides a unique forum for a discussion about the behavior genetic and neuropsychological aspects of development.