Designed as a guide for those who work with children in education, social work, health and childcare settings, this volume provides an introduction to some of the most common, yet often incapacitating, difficulties encountered in children. The developmental process in children is described, and an approach to preliminary assessment is offered. Different forms of therapy and treatment used in clinical work with children are discussed in "The Basics of Being Helpful." A series of chapters provides help in dealing with particular difficulties. Specific topics covered include (1) "School Refusal"; (2) "Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity"; (3) "Eating Disorders"; (4) "Traumatic and Stressful Situations"; (5) "Noncompliance and Oppositional Behaviour in Young Children"; (6)"Disruptiveness in Schools and Classrooms; (7) "Drug and Solvent Abuse"; (8) "Depression in Children"; (9) "Dyslexia". Each chapter provides an overview of the topic, approaches that may be taken, and information about outcomes that may be expected. Various considerations which may have bearing on decision making are discussed, and resources are provided in each chapter. A glossary is appended. (EMK)