ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces and explains systems approaches to BESD, touching first on family therapy then examining a school systems approach and a joint systems approach to the school and the child’s family. I look briefly at how supposed causal factors of BESD are viewed. I then consider identification and assessment in relation to this approach, including sociometric methods and circular questioning. I examine various interventions informed by a systems approach concentrating on: a framework for intervention across an LEA; group work, circle time and Circle of Friends; interventions by outside specialists; and school and family liaison.
