Do you wonder if the child or adolescent problem that worries you is just a normal child development stage, or a more serious psychological concern? You are not alone. Parents and professionals who work with children, adolescents and young adults frequently question whether their concerns about a young person are a normal stage of child development, or a serious concern.
Adolescent and child problems span a range of concerns. These include learning, social and emotional problems, as well as behavior problems. Some children externalize their distress, they show poor impulse control and act out in an angry, aggressive manner. Some children internalize their problems and appear withdrawn, irritable, anxious and/or depressed. Some children will show a combination of both internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Some children show problems sitting still and paying attention, or interacting with others, or any combination of the above concerns.
It is sometimes difficult to determine whether the concerns the young person shows are a normal child development stage or a more serious concern. Consider seeking help if the behaviors that worry you are are persistent and severe, contribute to stress in the young person and his family, or interfere with his functioning at home, at school and when interacting with peers.
If the young person's behavior is unsafe or if she talks about wanting to hurt herself or someone else seek immediate help.
Seek help if the young person is smoking, using alcohol or other drugs.
The information presented in this article can help you decide whether the child problem that worries you is a normal child development stage or a more serious concern.
Understanding the signs of psychological well being in children can help you determine whether the concerns that worry you, represent a normal developmental stage or a more serious concern that requires further attention.
Symptoms of psychological wellness include:
If the young person typically shows the behaviors associated with psychological wellness then the concerns that worry you may be a temporary issue, related to a recent psychological stressor. You might need to intervene or seek help to support the young person through this particular challenge or issue.
Concerns that do not represent a normal stage of child development and are cause for concern include the following:
"Understanding the Problem is the Key to Solving It." Dr. O'Connor's Psychological Assessments and School Neuropsychological Evaluations
increase understanding of whether or not the concerns in a young
person that worry you are just a child development stage or a more
serious concern.
Dr. O'Connor provides in depth, comprehensive school neurpsychological assessments to get to "the root of the problem," in this case, what is contributing to and maintaining the aggressive behaviors the young person exhibits.
The school neuropsychological assessment provides a detailed, comprehensive understanding of the problem. It
leads to diagnoses that apply to the problem and provides the
foundation required to support evidence based interventions to address
it.
The assessment becomes part of the solution; its findings lead to evidence based interventions to address the psychological concerns in a young person that worry you.