Saturday, July 30, 2016

How A Bay Area Educational Psychologist Can Give A Troubled Child A New Lease On Life

By Gary Morris


Children that struggle learn and to concentrate, that display anti social behaviour and that generally do not fit into the mould of what society expects is not a new phenomenon. However, in the past such children were labelled as stupid, naughty, wayward and even mentally disturbed. Medical and psychological experts now know that there are a variety of real conditions that can manifest in such symptoms. With help from a Bay Area educational psychologist such children can get a new lease on life.

Parents and teachers have to be vigilant and they need to be aware of the signs that may indicate that a child is suffering from a condition that can hamper his development. Of course, a single temper tantrum or occasional misbehaviour or even poor results in a test does not automatically mean that there is a psychological problem. However, consistent signs should never be ignored.

Some of the signs that may indicate that a child is suffering from a psychological condition include an inability to concentrate, a poor learning ability, a tendency to chatter without pause, sudden mood swings, sleeping disorders and a tendency to stay without food only to binge on snacks later. When a child displays these symptoms, it is definitely worth it to schedule a formal assessment by a qualified psychological expert.

Experts in child psychology will insist on an exhaustive evaluation before they will attempt to make a diagnosis. The child will be required to undergo both objective and subjective tests and in most cases it will also be necessary to interview the parents and other care givers. A medical examination is also deemed very important because it is possible that the symptoms displayed are related to a medical condition rather than a psychological disorder.

If a psychological condition is diagnosed, the next step is to develop a specific treatment plan unique to that patient. In some cases medication is prescribed, but this is not always deemed to be beneficial. Some patients do not react well to medication or they experience adverse side effects. There is no miracle medicine that can neutralize all the symptoms of any specific condition.

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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