Psychological and learning difficulties are more common in children than many parents realize, and the types of problems can be quite varied. Oftentimes, the first signs of difficulties are exhibited at school; parents may become quite concerned when they receive feedback from a teacher that there is a "problem with Johnny." Sorting out the reason for Johnny's difficulties can be tricky, and finding help can be trickier still. However, there are some questions and ideas that are helpful for many parents to consider.
Is this something I should be worried about?
Most parents worry about their child's behavior at one time or another and struggle with knowing if their worries are justified. While there are no hard and fast rules, the following guidelines are good to keep in mind:
* How extreme is my child's behavior? If the actions are beyond the limits of what a child his or her age typically does, it might be worth consulting with a professional. If you've received a call from your child's teacher, ask him or her whether your child's behavior falls at the extremes or whether it's just something needing a bit of extra attention.
* How long have these issues been a problem? Problems that aren't going away - or problems that go away over the summer, but reappear once the school year begins may be worthy of attention. If it's a problem that keeps reappearing at school, a talk with your child's teacher is probably a smart place to start.
* Are there a bunch of minor problems that add up to a more serious issue? For example, an inability to concentrate and difficulty in getting organized may be much more impairing when observed together. Also, minor problems such as these can become more significant as the demands of school increase.
* How do other people react to my child's difficulties? If the principal's office is calling weekly, or if your child's behavior is causing him to lose friends, it's probably worth getting more information from a teacher, guidance counselor or psychologist about your child's difficulties.
* Does my child appear to be getting further and further behind his peers? In younger children, problems may include language, social, or motor skills while in older children, problems may include skills such as reading, writing, and the ability to be an independent learner.
* How frequent and severe are these problems? Overall, it is the intensity, severity, and frequencyof the problematic behaviors that determine whether they warrant talking to a professional, which may include a school or clinical psychologist.
What Types of Problems Might Become Intense, Severe and Frequent?
* Feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety that just won't go away
* Inability to complete homework
* Problems concentrating or paying attention
* Difficulty learning to read, spell, or write; problems mastering math concepts
* Chronically lacking in self-confidence or feelings or low self-worth
* Uncooperativeness that significantly interferes with home or school functioning
* Truancy from school or frequent detentions
* Drug and/or alcohol abuse
What Can Parents Do When Their Worries Are Warranted?
* Talk to you child's teacher or guidance counselor. Sometimes, they'll call you first as they may see concerns before you do. It can be hard for parents to hear criticism from teachers, but it's important to keep an open mind and realize they have your child's best interest at heart. At other times, you may be bringing concerns to the teacher's attention that he or she may not have noticed. In either case, approaching your child's teacher and school as a potential collaborator in solving your child's problem can be wise.
* Talk to your child's pediatrician. Your pediatrician is often the first professional to consult when your child has not yet reached grade school. Even for older children, sometimes working with the teacher or school has hit an impasse, and a pediatrician is useful source to use for a second opinion. At other times, a child may be exhibiting a neurological problem, such as significant difficulties with concentration or memory, and the pediatrician is the right place to start.
* Consult with a child psychologist or child psychiatrist. Your child's pediatrician may refer you to a professional who can more thoroughly evaluate your child's problems. This might mean a referral to a therapist for therapy or a neuropsychologist or school psychologist for a more formal evaluation of your child's learning and cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
What if we just wait and see?
There's nothing wrong with waiting and watching if that feels right to you, or if this is what other professionals, such as teachers, are telling you to do. Waiting and seeing isn't doing nothing, it means you, and perhaps your child's teacher, are monitoringand observingyour child's symptoms. This is a good time to get more information. Talk to other parents whose children have had similar issues. Watch to make sure the symptoms are not getting worse. Trust your gut -- parents are usually very good at knowing whether more information or help is needed.
Even though waiting is sometimes the right course of action, in my experience as a child psychologist parents often wish they had not waited so long to seek treatment for their child. Educate yourself about the possible treatments that are available so that you can make an informed decision about your child's care. The earlier you determine why your child is exhibiting problems, the sooner you can find the appropriate treatment, and the more likely he or she will experience success both in and out of school.
Does My Child Need Help? How To Find Mental Health Care For Your Child
Reviewed by sania
Published :
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Published :
Rating : 4.5
