Book Review – Children with emotional and behavioural difficulties and communication problems

CHILDREN WITH EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES AND
COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS

Melanie Cross, Jessica Kingsley

ISBN 1843101351

£15.95

Star Rating: 3/5

Children and young people with communication problems are often
termed the “invisible disabled”.

The distinct and crucial message of this book is that not enough
attention is being paid to them, writes Trevor Carter.

However, the book suffers from an excess of references and
equivocal assertions and statements, and consequently reads much
like an A-level essay.

The dry academic style does not facilitate accessibility,
although some of the tables are useful. Many of the many studies
quoted merely state the obvious, such as progress is linked to the
attentiveness of adults or that “there appears to be a genetic
component”.

More clear statements such as “ignore, divert and distract are
the first lines of defence” would improve its appeal.

The last chapter is generally much more authoritative, and
includes a clear assertion of its prescriptive agenda.

Trevor Carter is an NVQ assessor for Caring for Children
and Young People in Bristol.

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