Back to Normal: The Overlooked, Ordinary Explanations for Kids’ ADHD, Bipolar, and Autistic-Like Behavior

This well-documented work by clinical psychologist Gnaulti explores children’s seemingly abnormal behavior—behavior whose causes are often incorrectly attributed to psychiatric disorders. Perplexed parents and teachers will find helpful information about such behavior, helping them to distinguish between ADHD, ASD, and bipolar disorder, and allowing them to determine when kids are suffering from these disorders and when they are simply on different developmental schedules. Children are increasingly analyzed and diagnosed as early as toddlerhood; the upshot is an epidemic of misdiagnosis, Gnaulti argues, giving children lifelong labels instead of understanding. Each chapter provides case studies and anecdotes describing different approaches to psychological evaluation and treatment. Is a five-year-old who seeks autonomy in kindergarten hyperactive or gifted? Is a preteen who doesn’t pay attention in class and is easily angered bipolar or slow to mature? And is a brainy, willful, adolescent introvert autistic or unchallenged academically? Gnaulti warns that the goal of medicating children should not be to make them docile and help them achieve good grades. He explains why kids act out and the consequences of such behavior. The final chapter, titled “Parenting Tips,” describes roles, rules, and responsibilities that can empower parents and professionals to affect remedial action. This book is a welcome antidote to an alarming trend. (Sept.)