The book initially discusses why the possibility of misdiagnosing a child as a "problem child" is insufficient reason to make no attempt at early identification of and intervention for such children. A chapter then considers extreme manifestations of antisocial patters to provide the reader with a frame of reference for the book's subsequent use of the term "antisocial." A number of chapters guide parents in identifying forerunners of antisocial behavior. The discussion distinguishes between a phase of behavioral development and a pattern of behavior that foreshadows an entrenched personality problem. Subsequent chapters focus on errors that parents and others make as they encounter the forerunners of antisocial behavior. The emphasis is on both prevention and remediation. Guidance is provided on how to help children modify and eliminate behavior likely to become increasingly destructive to the child and others. Chapter notes, subject index.