Healthy Minds | Clinical Psychologists Brisbane
Healthy Minds | Clinical Psychologists Brisbane
Children are both sources of immeasurable joy and sometimes great concern. There are several indications that something may be amiss in a young child. The following is only a brief guide of more often seen difficulties. Professional opinions should always be sought at the earliest possible stage. Caution against self-diagnosis is urged.
People with autism (formerly called Asperger’s Syndrome) have trouble understanding and relating to others, exhibit unusual behaviour and over or under react to sensory stimulation.
Early signs of autism include a child:
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle control. The severity can vary from clumsiness to immobility.
Early warning signs of cerebral palsy include:
A clinical psychologist can help with managing the lifestyle consequences, dealing with related anxiety and mood difficulties, family reactions and strategies to assist with living in a mobile society.
Early signs of Developmental Disorders (including Asperger’s Syndrome) may include some of the above as well as:
A clinical psychologist is best able to help with understanding and improving the condition, dealing with related anxiety and mood difficulties, managing the child and consequences for their family’s lifestyle, family reactions and strategies to assist with living in a neurotypical society.
When children have focal seizures they are impossible to ignore. Given their dramatic appearance they will quickly gain attention. Much more difficult are other kinds of seizures, such as simple or complex partial seizures, which can be mistaken for different conditions, such as migraines, psychological illness or much later, even drug or alcohol related.
Observe and follow up spells that come at inappropriate times, such as when your child is in the middle of speaking or doing something and suddenly stops. See a general practitioner at the earliest possible stage. An EEG sometimes followed by an MRI are the typical approaches to assessment and diagnosis.
A clinical psychologist can help with dealing with related anxiety and mood difficulties, managing the lifestyle consequences, family reactions and strategies that may help to avoid the triggers.
A clinical psychologist can best help with identifying learning disabilities and with strategies to improve them, which may include other specialists.
Preschool
Ages 5-9
Ages 10-13
Typically noted through attending and hyperactive difficulties, there are many other areas of thinking, behaving and controlling emotions that may be compromised by difficulties with executive function. Many of these are seen in autism spectrum disorders.
Signs include:
You should follow up if your child:
A clinical psychologist can help with managing the lifestyle consequences, family reactions and strategies to assist with living in a hearing society.
Experts recommend that all children have an eye exam shortly after birth, at 6 months of age, before entering school, and throughout the school years.
Some indications that your child may have a vision problem:
