Will My Kid Grow Out of It?

September 15, 2014
Neuropsychologist Forrest draws on her expertise as a clinician in this detailed but awkwardly structured guide aimed at enabling parents to identify issues with their children—whether social, cognitive, or developmental—that require professional help. Part one covers early intervention, providing direction for parents who aren’t sure whether their kids’ “differences” amount to more than just a phase. Part two, which makes up the bulk of the book, addresses common concerns, possible diagnoses, and treatment options. Individual chapters are devoted to such topics as infant mental health, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, OCD, and suicide. In part three, parents will find advice for navigating the often-confusing options available for help. Throughout, Forrest provides numerous case studies drawn from her own practice. Though she also places important data in three appendices—e.g., a year-by-year guide to brain development, with a checklist—this information might have been more accessible if it were integrated into the book. Despite Forrest’s laudable intentions, this combination clinical overview/parenting book does not make a significant addition to an already-crowded market. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency LLC.

November 15, 2014

Pediatric neuropsychologist and lawyer Forrest (askdrforrest.com) offers a triage-style guide to some worrisome child behaviors, providing guidance on when to seek help, what to expect from the mental health profession, and tips for navigating a diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. Divided into three parts that cover normal behavior, common concerns and diagnoses, and supporting your child, the text delves into such topics as inattentiveness, picky eating, anxiety, and self-injury. The included case studies, bullet lists of symptoms, possible diagnoses, and the most up-to-date treatment methods will help parents who are on the fence about seeking treatment find solid advice on whether or not to move forward with professional help. VERDICT This is fairly dense reading for concerning behaviors. For a lighter read with a similar approach, librarians might recommend Is It a Big Problem or a Little Problem? by Amy Egan and others.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2014
As a pediatric neuropsychologist and lawyer, Forrest writes authoritatively about how parents can recognize their kids' problems and figure out what to do about them. She mixes first-name-only stories about real toddlers, tweens, and teens with mainstream consensus about the best medical approaches. The main message: intervene early for a happier ending. At the end, she tucks in useful appendixes on brain development at different ages and commonly used medications and effective therapies, along with a list of resources for help and a glossary that explains such terms as panic attack. Forrest follows government recommendations, such as start low, go slow, when it comes to medications. And she refrains from blaming anyone. Instead, she notes that many conditions arise from a combination of genetic, behavioral, environmental, psychological, and social factors. To help kids feel secure and confident, touch, talk, read, smile, sing, and play with them when they are young, and throughout their lives show them love, praise them, spend time with them, and avoid involving them in adult problems and arguments. Any parent could benefit from Forrest's sound advice.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)