Understanding Atypical Development – serie

This essential book offers an accessible, evidence-based guide to Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD) informed by the most current research, and clinical and educational practice. It provides a thorough explanation of the science behind the condition, alongside ideas, support, and practical tips for managing the everyday challenges of the disorder at school and in family life.Mammarella, Cardillo, and Broitman describe the main characteristics of the condition from both theoretical and practical points of view, as well as examining the similarities and differences between NVLD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. They explore the cognitive and academic weaknesses and strengths of children with NVLD, and the emotional and social difficulties they may experience. The book also provides a systematic review of scientific studies in this field whilst focusing on issues of diagnostic criteria, as well as assessment and intervention strategies. Practical examples are given for teachers and parents to help support children with NVLD in improving their visuospatial and motor skills, as well as peer-social relations, and in promoting the child’s individual abilities.Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disability is essential reading for parents and practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, and health and social care, and students in these fields.

This essential book offers an accessible, evidence-based guide to Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD) informed by the most current research, and clinical and educational practice. It provides a thorough explanation of the science behind the condition, alongside ideas, support, and practical tips for managing the everyday challenges of the disorder at school and in family life.Mammarella, Cardillo, and Broitman describe the main characteristics of the condition from both theoretical and practical points of view, as well as examining the similarities and differences between NVLD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. They explore the cognitive and academic weaknesses and strengths of children with NVLD, and the emotional and social difficulties they may experience. The book also provides a systematic review of scientific studies in this field whilst focusing on issues of diagnostic criteria, as well as assessment and intervention strategies. Practical examples are given for teachers and parents to help support children with NVLD in improving their visuospatial and motor skills, as well as peer-social relations, and in promoting the child’s individual abilities.Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disability is essential reading for parents and practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, and health and social care, and students in these fields.

This essential guide provides accessible, concise, evidence-based guidelines on Atttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), offering a deeper scientific understanding of the condition and its consequences. It offers ideas and insights for managing the condition in daily family life and promoting the most effective self-regulation strategies for children and adolescents, allowing parents to better understand the origins of their child’s behaviour and avoid potential negative consequences.In this straightforward text, Capodieci and Re set out the basic theories on ADHD and cover key topics including parent-child relationships, helping children understand their condition, friendships with peers, comorbidities, classroom strategies, and how families and professionals can best work together. Taking into account the most recent updates to the DSM-5 definition of ADHD, the authors emphasise the importance of a multifocal approach to the treatment of ADHD, involving the child’s teachers, parents and peers, to better develop family and peer relationships. They offer strategies for the classroom, for good sleep and for healthy eating and physical activity, and support for any other learning, language, movement and emotional problems an ADHD child might have.Understanding ADHD will be essential reading for parents of children with ADHD, as well as health, education and social care professionals involved in the field.

This essential guide provides accessible, concise, evidence-based guidelines on Atttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), offering a deeper scientific understanding of the condition and its consequences. It offers ideas and insights for managing the condition in daily family life and promoting the most effective self-regulation strategies for children and adolescents, allowing parents to better understand the origins of their child’s behaviour and avoid potential negative consequences.In this straightforward text, Capodieci and Re set out the basic theories on ADHD and cover key topics including parent-child relationships, helping children understand their condition, friendships with peers, comorbidities, classroom strategies, and how families and professionals can best work together. Taking into account the most recent updates to the DSM-5 definition of ADHD, the authors emphasise the importance of a multifocal approach to the treatment of ADHD, involving the child’s teachers, parents and peers, to better develop family and peer relationships. They offer strategies for the classroom, for good sleep and for healthy eating and physical activity, and support for any other learning, language, movement and emotional problems an ADHD child might have.Understanding ADHD will be essential reading for parents of children with ADHD, as well as health, education and social care professionals involved in the field.

Understanding Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiance Disorder offers parents, caregivers and practitioners a concise, accessible introduction to the science behind CD and ODD and popular treatments, together with practical advice on how to approach challenging behaviour.It covers a range of important topics including distinguishing between typical and atypical behavioural development, how to choose the best course of treatment for a child, and how parental behaviour can help or hinder progress. Written in straightforward language, each chapter concludes with "important points" summarising key information, designed to help those living or working with children suffering from behavioural disorders to both understand the nature of the disorders and achieve the best outcome for the child. The final chapter presents an in-depth case study of a child with behavioral disorders, thoroughly detailing symptoms, treatment and outcome, providing a demonstration of best practice and affirming that challenging behavior can be effectively managed. Illustrated with clinical vignettes of the experiences of children living with CD and ODD, Understanding Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiance Disorder is essential reading for parents and caregivers, as well as practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, counselling, mental health, nursing, child welfare, public healthcare, and those in education.

Understanding Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiance Disorder offers parents, caregivers and practitioners a concise, accessible introduction to the science behind CD and ODD and popular treatments, together with practical advice on how to approach challenging behaviour.It covers a range of important topics including distinguishing between typical and atypical behavioural development, how to choose the best course of treatment for a child, and how parental behaviour can help or hinder progress. Written in straightforward language, each chapter concludes with "important points" summarising key information, designed to help those living or working with children suffering from behavioural disorders to both understand the nature of the disorders and achieve the best outcome for the child. The final chapter presents an in-depth case study of a child with behavioral disorders, thoroughly detailing symptoms, treatment and outcome, providing a demonstration of best practice and affirming that challenging behavior can be effectively managed. Illustrated with clinical vignettes of the experiences of children living with CD and ODD, Understanding Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiance Disorder is essential reading for parents and caregivers, as well as practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, counselling, mental health, nursing, child welfare, public healthcare, and those in education.

This concise volume offers an accessible overview of recent clinical and research perspectives addressing autism and autistic functioning. By providing an innovative lens, the book benefits from two different angles: a concrete and pragmatical view of an expert clinician with three decades of practice in diagnosis and treatment of autism, and a more “speculative” and “long-term” view of a researcher who works on neural and computational architecture of (a)typical neurocognitive functioning.Trying to understand autism beyond its behavioral symptoms, the book spans from clinical descriptions (e.g., communicating diagnosis, clinical intervention, and prognosis) to recent neuroscientific evidence supporting a potential perspective-shift. The fil rouge of this volume can be summarized in three fundamental aspects that should orient any clinical practice in the context of autism (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, etc.): we need an age-dependent, context-dependent, and functioning-dependent approach.Understanding Autism and Autistic Functioning is crucial reading for parents and caregivers, and professionals in health, education, and social care.

This concise volume offers an accessible overview of recent clinical and research perspectives addressing autism and autistic functioning. By providing an innovative lens, the book benefits from two different angles: a concrete and pragmatical view of an expert clinician with three decades of practice in diagnosis and treatment of autism, and a more “speculative” and “long-term” view of a researcher who works on neural and computational architecture of (a)typical neurocognitive functioning.Trying to understand autism beyond its behavioral symptoms, the book spans from clinical descriptions (e.g., communicating diagnosis, clinical intervention, and prognosis) to recent neuroscientific evidence supporting a potential perspective-shift. The fil rouge of this volume can be summarized in three fundamental aspects that should orient any clinical practice in the context of autism (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, etc.): we need an age-dependent, context-dependent, and functioning-dependent approach.Understanding Autism and Autistic Functioning is crucial reading for parents and caregivers, and professionals in health, education, and social care.

Understanding Intellectual Disability: A Guide for Professionals and Parents supports professionals and parents in understanding critical concepts, correct assessment procedures, delicate and science-infused communication practices and treatment methods concerning children with intellectual disabilities.From a professional perspective, this book relies on developmental neuropsychology and psychiatry to describe relevant measures and qualitative observations when making a diagnosis and explores the importance of involving parents in the reconstruction of a child’s developmental history. From a parent’s perspective, the book shows how enriched environments can empower children’s learning processes, and how working with patients, families, and organizations providing care and treatment services can be effectively integrated with attachment theory. Throughout seven chapters, the book offers an exploration of diagnostic procedures, new insights on the concept of intelligence and the role of communication and secure attachment in the mind’s construction. With expertise from noteworthy scholars in the field, the reader is given an overview of in-depth assessment and intervention practices illustrated by several case studies and examples, as well as a lifespan perspective from a Human Rights Model of disability.Understanding Intellectual Disability is an accessible guide offering an up-to-date vision of intellectual disability and is essential for psychologists, health care professionals, special educators, students in clinical psychology, and parents.Things are connected through invisible bonds: you cannot pluck a flower without unsettling a star.Galileo Galilei

Understanding Intellectual Disability: A Guide for Professionals and Parents supports professionals and parents in understanding critical concepts, correct assessment procedures, delicate and science-infused communication practices and treatment methods concerning children with intellectual disabilities.From a professional perspective, this book relies on developmental neuropsychology and psychiatry to describe relevant measures and qualitative observations when making a diagnosis and explores the importance of involving parents in the reconstruction of a child’s developmental history. From a parent’s perspective, the book shows how enriched environments can empower children’s learning processes, and how working with patients, families, and organizations providing care and treatment services can be effectively integrated with attachment theory. Throughout seven chapters, the book offers an exploration of diagnostic procedures, new insights on the concept of intelligence and the role of communication and secure attachment in the mind’s construction. With expertise from noteworthy scholars in the field, the reader is given an overview of in-depth assessment and intervention practices illustrated by several case studies and examples, as well as a lifespan perspective from a Human Rights Model of disability.Understanding Intellectual Disability is an accessible guide offering an up-to-date vision of intellectual disability and is essential for psychologists, health care professionals, special educators, students in clinical psychology, and parents.Things are connected through invisible bonds: you cannot pluck a flower without unsettling a star.Galileo Galilei

This concise, accessible guide bridges the gap between scientific research and practical application, offering parents and professionals in educational and psychological settings a clear understanding of reading comprehension difficulties in children and adolescents.Drawing on evidence-based approaches, the book explores the fundamental nature of reading comprehension and its critical role in everyday life, key theoretical models explaining how comprehension develops and functions, and why some children with strong decoding skills still struggle to understand texts. It presents early intervention strategies for preschoolers and pre-readers, metacognitive techniques and strategic instruction methods, and practical approaches for integrating comprehension into broader study skills.Whether you're supporting a child or an adolescent who finds reading challenging, or seeking to enhance comprehension, this guide equips you with actionable strategies to identify comprehension problems early and implement effective techniques at home and in school, ultimately fostering understanding, achievement, and a lifelong love of reading.

This concise, accessible guide bridges the gap between scientific research and practical application, offering parents and professionals in educational and psychological settings a clear understanding of reading comprehension difficulties in children and adolescents.Drawing on evidence-based approaches, the book explores the fundamental nature of reading comprehension and its critical role in everyday life, key theoretical models explaining how comprehension develops and functions, and why some children with strong decoding skills still struggle to understand texts. It presents early intervention strategies for preschoolers and pre-readers, metacognitive techniques and strategic instruction methods, and practical approaches for integrating comprehension into broader study skills.Whether you're supporting a child or an adolescent who finds reading challenging, or seeking to enhance comprehension, this guide equips you with actionable strategies to identify comprehension problems early and implement effective techniques at home and in school, ultimately fostering understanding, achievement, and a lifelong love of reading.

This concise, accessible guide explores the different models behind the concept of giftedness, examining the criteria for evaluating and identifying gifted children, in order to provide a deeper understanding of the lives of children and young people with high cognitive potential. It offers practical advice to parents and teachers, highlighting common queries and misconceptions and presenting evidence-based suggestions for management methods.Key topics covered include the difference between being gifted and talented, how to identify a gifted child, neurological differences between gifted children and their peers, dealing with perfectionism, and the best ways to parent and teach a gifted child. Avoiding prescriptive rules, the authors emphasise the importance of knowing and understanding the individual child whilst utilising research around giftedness to promote the best possible outcomes. Illustrated with case studies of student and teacher perspectives, the book offers an inclusive perspective and practical strategies, whereby the development of individual potential is viewed not only as a way to promote the psychological well-being of the individual but also as an opportunity and benefit for society. Understanding Giftedness is essential reading for parents and caregivers, as well as practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, counselling, mental health, nursing, child welfare, public healthcare and those in education who want to help young people develop their talents and achieve their full potential.

This concise, accessible guide explores the different models behind the concept of giftedness, examining the criteria for evaluating and identifying gifted children, in order to provide a deeper understanding of the lives of children and young people with high cognitive potential. It offers practical advice to parents and teachers, highlighting common queries and misconceptions and presenting evidence-based suggestions for management methods.Key topics covered include the difference between being gifted and talented, how to identify a gifted child, neurological differences between gifted children and their peers, dealing with perfectionism, and the best ways to parent and teach a gifted child. Avoiding prescriptive rules, the authors emphasise the importance of knowing and understanding the individual child whilst utilising research around giftedness to promote the best possible outcomes. Illustrated with case studies of student and teacher perspectives, the book offers an inclusive perspective and practical strategies, whereby the development of individual potential is viewed not only as a way to promote the psychological well-being of the individual but also as an opportunity and benefit for society. Understanding Giftedness is essential reading for parents and caregivers, as well as practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, counselling, mental health, nursing, child welfare, public healthcare and those in education who want to help young people develop their talents and achieve their full potential.

This accessible book provides evidence-based guidelines on dyscalculia, offering a thorough explanation of the science behind the disorder. It combines this theoretical framework with practical recommendations, offering interventions for managing the condition at home and school and avoiding potential behavioural consequences. Written in a straightforward style, this book provides a concise summary of relevant research to empower the reader to take an informed and positive approach to dyscalculia and those who live with it. The internationally based team of contributors examine the different models that explain the construct of dyscalculia, looking at definitions and theories alongside signs, symptoms and diagnosis. Chapters also explore how to communicate diagnosis to peers, possible cultural differences and sensitivities when related to mathematics education and dyscalculia and the importance of maintaining a proactive attitude when working with children with dyscalculia. Understanding Dyscalculia is essential reading for parents and practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, education professionals and students and researchers of special educational needs, educational psychology and counselling psychology.

This accessible book provides evidence-based guidelines on dyscalculia, offering a thorough explanation of the science behind the disorder. It combines this theoretical framework with practical recommendations, offering interventions for managing the condition at home and school and avoiding potential behavioural consequences. Written in a straightforward style, this book provides a concise summary of relevant research to empower the reader to take an informed and positive approach to dyscalculia and those who live with it. The internationally based team of contributors examine the different models that explain the construct of dyscalculia, looking at definitions and theories alongside signs, symptoms and diagnosis. Chapters also explore how to communicate diagnosis to peers, possible cultural differences and sensitivities when related to mathematics education and dyscalculia and the importance of maintaining a proactive attitude when working with children with dyscalculia. Understanding Dyscalculia is essential reading for parents and practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, education professionals and students and researchers of special educational needs, educational psychology and counselling psychology.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome provides accessible, concise, evidence-based guidelines on this neurodevelopmental disorder, offering parents and professionals a deeper scientific understanding of the condition and its consequences. Zanaboni Dina and Porta explore signs, symptoms and treatment of the disease, with the aim of demonstrating to all those involved in the life of a TS child solutions to manage a range of situations from diagnosis to day-to-day life. Therapies and social intervention, including Habit Reversal Training and Deep Brain Stimulation, are described, allowing caregivers to evaluate the best course of treatment. With a focus on improving quality of life by offering practical recommendations for managing the condition at school and in the family, it places additional emphasis on sibling relationships and the importance of childhood friendship. The authors’ expert subject knowledge and extensive experience of working with children and families, makes the topic accessible for any reader, and case studies demonstrate how to apply scientific understanding of the condition to a real-life situation. This unique guide is essential reading for parents and carers, as well as practitioners in Clinical and Educational Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, Nursing, Child Welfare, Public Healthcare and those in Education. It will also be of interest to postgraduates studying courses in Psychology, Neurology and Psychiatry.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome provides accessible, concise, evidence-based guidelines on this neurodevelopmental disorder, offering parents and professionals a deeper scientific understanding of the condition and its consequences. Zanaboni Dina and Porta explore signs, symptoms and treatment of the disease, with the aim of demonstrating to all those involved in the life of a TS child solutions to manage a range of situations from diagnosis to day-to-day life. Therapies and social intervention, including Habit Reversal Training and Deep Brain Stimulation, are described, allowing caregivers to evaluate the best course of treatment. With a focus on improving quality of life by offering practical recommendations for managing the condition at school and in the family, it places additional emphasis on sibling relationships and the importance of childhood friendship. The authors’ expert subject knowledge and extensive experience of working with children and families, makes the topic accessible for any reader, and case studies demonstrate how to apply scientific understanding of the condition to a real-life situation. This unique guide is essential reading for parents and carers, as well as practitioners in Clinical and Educational Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, Nursing, Child Welfare, Public Healthcare and those in Education. It will also be of interest to postgraduates studying courses in Psychology, Neurology and Psychiatry.

Understanding Rett Syndrome offers a concise, evidence-based introduction to Rett Syndrome (RTT), covering a range of topics from diagnosis and causes to treatment and family management. It focuses on improving the quality of life for those with the syndrome by suggesting practical ways of managing the condition at home and at school, offering support and guidance to all parents and caregivers learning how to help children with RTT. Over the course of six chapters, Fabio, Caprì and, Martino explore signs and symptoms of RTT, along with an overview of treatment, therapy, and interventions for those living with the condition, focusing on technological aids such as eye-tracking and ICT and new neural techniques. Illustrated with interviews with parents of children living with RTT, Understanding Rett Syndrome is essential reading for parents and caregivers, as well as practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, counseling, mental health, nursing, child welfare, public healthcare, and those in education.