Does my child have a disorder?

All of us may experience emotional distress at one point of our lives that could negatively impact our mental health. But did you know that children experience mental health differently than adults? Children exhibit their feelings and emotions a bit differently than us. It is so important to be aware of that and to address issues early. During childhood we are constantly developing meaning we are growing and changing. As children develop they reach milestones such as learning how to talk, learning how to walk, learning how to read, and other very significant stuff that we need in our basic day to day lives. Usually, parents and teachers become concerned when a child is not developing at a normal rate, meaning they are not doing what other kids “normally” do at that age.

The first time we notice a problem or something odd in our child’s development we may wait a bit just to see it is just a phase. Secondly, it is common to talk to our child’s pediatrician and ask if we should be concerned. A lot of times the recommendation from a pediatrician is usually what gets us to ask for help. However, keep in mind not all doctors pick up on these signs so we have to be aware and be informed. Also, be in touch with your child’s teachers and ask them how they behave, socialize, and learn. More and more we are realizing that our child’s mental, emotional, and psychological health are just as important as their mental health. Think of it like this, if our child was limping, would we wait months to address it? The answer is probably that we are unlikely to wait long to address something as concerning as limping.

School is around the corner, and with new school years come a whole academic year of change and learning. If you have suspected in the past that your child is facing some difficulties, reach out to a psychologist for a psychological evaluation. You can also just consult with one to get their opinion if you are not ready to commit to an evaluation. There are options out there, and remember a psychological evaluation or assessment does not mean that there is something wrong with your child. RK Care Group serves all of South Florida, call us for more information or visit or website at www.rkcaregroup.com.