Parents are naturally concerned about the health and welfare of their children. Many parents correctly and comfortably see their youngster as normal. However, some other parents worry whether their infant, child, or teenager has a problem. These worries may be about various things, for example:
Child and adolescent psychiatrists can help parents and families sort out whether their child is normal. They usually interview the child and ask the parents about the child's previous health and behavior. They may also ask about how the family gets along together. It is likely that infants, children, and teenagers are normal when, at the appropriate age, they fully participate in and enjoy their:
Many parents first discuss their concerns about their child's normality with a family member or friend, or with the child's personal physician, school counselor or member of the clergy--who may then refer the family to a child and adolescent psychiatrist. He or she listens carefully to the parents and child and sorts out:
Based on the evaluation, the child and adolescent psychiatrist may:
If the evaluation reveals a psychiatric disorder, the child and adolescent psychiatrist will recommend a specific treatment program. Parents, better than anyone else, know their child and know what is
usual behavior for their child. If you feel your child has a problem,
seek professional help. It is a very important first step in knowing
for sure whether there is a problem, and if so, what measures will best
help your child. Daycare.com would like to thank American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for this information in striving to make daycare and childcare a more productive and efficient service. You can contact them at: 3615 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016-3007 voice: 202-966-7300 fax: 202-966-2891. |