Back to Normal: Why Ordinary Childhood Behavior Is Mistaken for ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder Paperback – September 2, 2014

Even though the book is becoming a bit outdated, the information is still relevant.

This terrific, dynamic and easy read provides a great deal of knowledgeable insight into the topic of the disorder while also uncovering a myriad of noteworthy concerns that surround ADHD, bi-polar disorder and present practices of administering assessments.With a genuine sensitivity to the severity of true autism, Dr. Gnaulati cites and explores numerous studies along with actual cases from his years of practice. Inviting the reader in on his case studies was a privilege and demonstrated how a professional is able to recognize and respect behavior in a child or adolescent via understanding and communication without concluding after a five minute meeting that medication and a diagnosis are the absolute answer.Without wanting to give away all of the rich information that Dr. Gnaulati shares concerning the spectrum, of sizeable importance is Dr. Gnaulati’s awareness and perceptive passages which discern a gender factor within the aforementioned disorders.Having been quite eager about beginning this book to better understand extensively more information about the autism spectrum, I explored recent book releases on autism that connected to the questions and concerns which had surfaced in a recent class about topics and literature in autism. This book answered all of the questions that were raised in class; therefore, I decidedly recommended that this book be added to the book list for future classes.

We came to this book as parents of a three year old boy who had recently been diagnosed with ASD. We felt that the diagnosis was incorrect, or at the very least overstated. Mostly we had this view because we had concerns about things the Psychologist failed to take into account, the process they used and their motivation for making such a finding. These are all issues addressed in this book.Our son is a gentle soul and can be easily stressed in some circumstances. Accordingly when Dr Gnaulati noted that “Many toddlers can be autistic-like in their behaviour when they are stressed.” and that “Sometimes the procedures used by experts to evaluate toddlers generate the sort of stress that leads a struggling, but otherwise normally developing, toddler to behaviour that is autistic-like.” it resonated strongly with us.In many ways this book gave us “permission” to question the diagnosis we had received and the encouragement to seek a second opinion from a professional who we feel is more cognizant of these risks in the diagnostic process. Your book also gave us some of the language we needed to be able to clearly express our concerns to this new professional.

I found this book very enlightening and relevant to today's child. I had read it before but wanted to mark passages and so ordered a book for that reason. I work in a school and being forearmed with information is a valuable tool, helping to determine behaviours that could possibly be normal. More parents/carers should seriously look into this before resorting to medication as a quick 'easy fix'.I would recommend this book to parents, educators, you name it. It has lots of references of studies/surveys etc. I love the fact that references are in 'this' era! Even with a reference to Charlie Sheen. Inclusions of the technological age we are now in and its impact on children's behavior is something that people like me never imagined could and does exist. It simply wasn't around when we were growing up. I have even compared my children's behaviour and felt somewhat relieved that....well....it was normal!Thank you Enrico!

As a grandmother of a male, toddler - diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum - and watching his progress through Early Intervention and more acute interactions, I have to agree with the authors premise. He addresses the issue in a broad, all encompassing manner that, for those with a keen eye for awareness, can be very informative. This is a recommended read for every parent. It gives great awareness to the most difficult job there is, parenting. It's the portal to understanding why your child acts out, withdraws, becomes clingy and all those other emotionally triggered behaviors and can help identify what is more a male tendency vs a diagnosis.

The misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of ASD "Autism Spectrum Disorder" is RAMPANT. Three boys that I know of in my sons kindergarten class last year were diagnosed by the same highly respected center. I believe these centers hand out these diagnoses to most of the kids that come in - ie. "80% of the diagnosis is earned just by showing up." Dr Gnaulati is a pioneer in his skepticism and some day in the future society will realize what he and Dr. Allen Frances who wrote "Saving Normal" have realized - that being a brainy, eccentric, introverted boy is not a disorder. The DSM-IV caused an epidemic of ADHD and Autism diagnosis based on arbitrary and subjective checklists.

This is a fabulous book,, written in a beautiful style, clearly articulated and advocated for today's children/teenagers, who may be going through a phase of 'growing pains' but they often perceived or misunderstood by parents or educators as if they have some kind of mental illness. The author has pointed out NOT ONLY the problem that our paranoid society has, but he also provided us with some solution, suggestion, as well as many simple, yet useful parenting tools and strategies. These are priceless tips, and it may cost a bomb just to have some professionals out there to give us a few. Before parents or educators be too quick to jump into conclusion and wanting to label or medicate a child/teen, this is a 'Must Read' book for them. Enjoy!!!

This book was recommended to us, as we are pretty certain our boy has been misdiagnosed and honestly, it's a minefield out there, trying to navigate the medical world alongside the taxing world of co-parenting arrangements with ex-spouses and ensuring that your child gets the very best chance at life. Impressed with this book with the information it delivers. It can be a bit of a dry read at times, but definitely worth it.

Great read, should be on every teachers reading list!

Excellent read,gives you real insight to what professionals don’t explain

Listened to the audio version then had to get the book for reference. Really has changed my thinking about my son and his needs. Don't kabrl your child until you read this book.

I am only halfway through this book but I must say by the first couple of chapters I was blown away and I am already recommending this to my clinical colleagues and the teachers in my life. A must read!

Very good supplier for this great book