Being a parent is challenging, with all children providing a level of difficulty that can be hard to navigate.
However, being able to tell whether your child is just going through a stage, or if they have a developmental illness is tricky.
Developmental illnesses are described as physical, emotional, or intellectual disorders that children are born with, or begin in early childhood.
When it comes to understanding the behaviour of children, some people believe that labels should be kept to a minimum.
However, for children experiencing significant difficulties, early diagnosis can make a huge difference to their life, with our child therapies at Newcastle Psychologist & Counselling including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Children (CBT) – providing effective accommodations that can help.
Early Childhood Behavioural & Emotional Disorders
Some of the issues labelled as early developmental illnesses include autism, ADHD, and intellectual difficulties.
Although they may not yet be diagnosed, children can begin displaying symptoms of a disorder from a young age that could be diagnosed later in childhood.
The most commonly occurring disorders for children of all ages include:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
- Anxiety Disorder
- Behavioural Disorders
- Depression
Signs of Developmental Illnesses
For children with behavioural issues, signs may include frequent angry outbursts, typically directed at people in authority.
Whether your child is in receipt of a diagnosis or not, our child psychologists in Newcastle can help them to learn how to manage their behaviours, using proven talking therapies.
Autism encompasses a broad range of disorders that can affect children in a variety of ways, including behaviourally, socially, and cognitively.
People with autism are very different from one another and might experience a range of challenges in daily life.
Unlike other behavioural disorders, the symptoms may begin as early as infanthood, and include eye contact avoidance, difficulty with social communication, unusual movement patterns, delayed speech, and a sensitivity to sounds or light.
Child Psychology and Therapy in Newcastle
In many cases, early intensive therapy can make a positive difference for children with autism and other developmental issues.
The earlier that you are able to recognise and address developmental disabilities, the better the likely outcomes are for your son or daughter, and your whole family.
Working with one of our psychologists, counsellors or therapists, your child will be provided with a range of tools in order to overcome their difficulties, and be happier in their life.
If you have concerns about any developmental illness signs that your child is showing, contact our child counsellors in Newcastle using the message box below, or contact us today on 07966 645198.
Best wishes,
Dr Stuart Sadler
Lead Clinical Psychologist
