Children that struggle learn and to concentrate, that display anti social behaviour and that generally do not fit into the mould of what society expects is not a new phenomenon. However, in the past such children were labelled as stupid, naughty, wayward and even mentally disturbed. Medical and psychological experts now know that there are a variety of real conditions that can manifest in such symptoms. With help from a Bay Area educational psychologist such children can get a new lease on life.
Parents and teachers have to be vigilant and they need to be aware of the signs that may indicate that a child is suffering from a condition that can hamper his development. Of course, a single temper tantrum or occasional misbehaviour or even poor results in a test does not automatically mean that there is a psychological problem. However, consistent signs should never be ignored.
Some symptoms are common to many psychological conditions. They include an inability to focus on a task and to complete it, learning difficulties, a short attention span and fidgety behaviour. Some children talk incessantly while others withdraw into themselves and refuse to participate in social interaction. Many sufferers struggle to sleep and others develop eating disorders.
Experts in child psychology will insist on an exhaustive evaluation before they will attempt to make a diagnosis. The child will be required to undergo both objective and subjective tests and in most cases it will also be necessary to interview the parents and other care givers. A medical examination is also deemed very important because it is possible that the symptoms displayed are related to a medical condition rather than a psychological disorder.
If a child is diagnosed with a conditions such as ADD, for example, the therapist will prepare a holistic treatment plan. Many parents think that a problem can be managed by means of medications such as Ritalin. This is not the case. Medication is not effective for all symptoms and patients sometimes experience very uncomfortable side effects. Instead, the treatment plan will focus on several areas and aim at helping the child to lead a normal fulfilling life.
Treatment programs almost always include the management of the diet, exercise regime and sleeping pattern of the patient. Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes every day, have proven to provide relief for many of the symptoms experienced by patients. A strict sleeping regime, with set times for going to sleep and getting up also help. Diet is very important and patients are encouraged to eat smaller meals more frequently rather than one or two bigger meals each day.
Regular counselling sessions can help children to understand their own conditions better and to learn techniques in how to cope with and to control their symptoms and their reactions to such symptoms. Activities such as meditation and yoga is encouraged, because they help children to improve their concentration and to focus on their goals. These activities are not competitive in nature and do not place the child under any pressure to perform.
Great strides have been made in the treatment and management of psychological conditions that previously rendered patients unable to lead normal lives. There is no shame in suffering from such a condition. Sufferers did not do anything wrong. With professional help, the condition can be managed and there is no reason for such a child to be excluded from a full and happy life.
Parents and teachers have to be vigilant and they need to be aware of the signs that may indicate that a child is suffering from a condition that can hamper his development. Of course, a single temper tantrum or occasional misbehaviour or even poor results in a test does not automatically mean that there is a psychological problem. However, consistent signs should never be ignored.
Some symptoms are common to many psychological conditions. They include an inability to focus on a task and to complete it, learning difficulties, a short attention span and fidgety behaviour. Some children talk incessantly while others withdraw into themselves and refuse to participate in social interaction. Many sufferers struggle to sleep and others develop eating disorders.
Experts in child psychology will insist on an exhaustive evaluation before they will attempt to make a diagnosis. The child will be required to undergo both objective and subjective tests and in most cases it will also be necessary to interview the parents and other care givers. A medical examination is also deemed very important because it is possible that the symptoms displayed are related to a medical condition rather than a psychological disorder.
If a child is diagnosed with a conditions such as ADD, for example, the therapist will prepare a holistic treatment plan. Many parents think that a problem can be managed by means of medications such as Ritalin. This is not the case. Medication is not effective for all symptoms and patients sometimes experience very uncomfortable side effects. Instead, the treatment plan will focus on several areas and aim at helping the child to lead a normal fulfilling life.
Treatment programs almost always include the management of the diet, exercise regime and sleeping pattern of the patient. Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes every day, have proven to provide relief for many of the symptoms experienced by patients. A strict sleeping regime, with set times for going to sleep and getting up also help. Diet is very important and patients are encouraged to eat smaller meals more frequently rather than one or two bigger meals each day.
Regular counselling sessions can help children to understand their own conditions better and to learn techniques in how to cope with and to control their symptoms and their reactions to such symptoms. Activities such as meditation and yoga is encouraged, because they help children to improve their concentration and to focus on their goals. These activities are not competitive in nature and do not place the child under any pressure to perform.
Great strides have been made in the treatment and management of psychological conditions that previously rendered patients unable to lead normal lives. There is no shame in suffering from such a condition. Sufferers did not do anything wrong. With professional help, the condition can be managed and there is no reason for such a child to be excluded from a full and happy life.
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