Without A Bay Area Educational Psychologist Many Children Will Never Get Help

By Gary Morris


In times gone by children and young people that struggled to learn, that exhibited anti social behaviour and that generally refused to conform were labelled and treated as dumb, naughty or simply backward. Such unfortunate people were given few chances in life. Today, medical and psychological experts accept the fact that there are numerous conditions that can have a negative influence on the behaviour of children. With help from a Bay Area educational psychologist such conditions can be diagnosed and treated.

Teachers, care givers and parents are often in the best position to realize that the behaviour and development of a child may not be normal. Disturbing behaviour and a sudden change in behavioural patterns does not necessarily mean that the child is suffering from a psychological condition, however. He may have experienced trauma or may even suffer from a medical condition that manifest in psychological symptoms.

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.

Child psychologists use a wide variety of tests and techniques to evaluate potential patients. Some of these tests are objective and measurable, but others are subjective and require careful interpretation. The assessor will also interview the parents. A thorough medical examination is also done because the child may suffer from a medical condition rather than a psychological one.

Many parents think that if their child is diagnosed with a condition such as ADD, for example, the matter can be managed almost instantly by the prescription of medication such as Ritalin. This is certainly not true. Medication can help, but a long term holistic treatment plan is necessary. Some patients do not react well to medication and even when they do, the medication can never be a permanent solution.

Exercise, diet and quality sleep all form very important elements of any treatment program. Experts advise that patients exercise for at least half an hour every day, preferably out of doors. It is also important to follow a healthy diet that contains protein and omega fatty acids at every meal. Many children under treatment suffer from sleeping disorders. Parents must make sure that they are settled in a routine with specific times for going to bed and for getting up.

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.

Children suffering from psychological disorders can be helped. There is no reason why they cannot lead full and productive lives. These disorders can be managed, just as any chronic medical condition such as hypertension, for example, can be managed.




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