I worried when I saw this book's title. Too often adults over-react to minor misdemeanours and departures from standard behaviour norms.
I worry too that the mistakes children make when learning appropriate behavioural skills, such as how to "read" people and social situations, often result in psychotherapeutic intervention that labels the child problematic.
However, I had no need for concern. Campbell covers a range of approaches, recognising that these differing perspectives are inter-related. She is careful to identify common or annoying behaviours and place these in the context of normal development. By doing so she clarifies which behaviours are "clinically significant". She also recognises that every set of circumstances is unique and that action taken must be individually tailored to the child.
Her approach to appropriate intervention recognises the need to work with parents and she is critical of the use of drugs to modify behaviour in under-fives, even for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She references relevant literature, research and social policy, which helps the reader make informed views.
This is not a dip-in book for those looking for a quick-fix solution. Instead, it is a thorough review of approaches, which illuminates how to frame, diagnose and treat behavioural disorders in children.
Campbell concludes by recommending better access to early intervention programmes that work with parents. She makes a case that is hard to disagree with.
