This book considers the important issues of 'normality' and 'atypicality' in child development. Using various theoretical approaches to developmental psychology, it examines some of the main circumstances of atypical development from a psychological perspective. A range of topics are presented and linked through a theoretical framework, including - emotional and behavioural difficulties - child abuse - learning difficulties Possible explanations of the 'how's and 'why's of atypical development are discussed in relation to research findings. Implications for intervention and the family are presented. With case studies throughout, Atypical Child Development in Context offers the reader an understanding of the circumstances and conditions associated with children experiencing difficulties in development, and will be of interest to students of child development, both typical and atypical, and to professionals in education, social work, nursing and allied disciplines.