What should I do if I am concerned about mental, behavioral, or emotional symptoms in my young child?

Answer:

Talk to your child's doctor. Ask questions and find out everything you can about the behavior or symptoms that worry you. Every child is different and even normal development varies from child to child. Sensory processing, language, and motor skills are developing during early childhood, as well as the ability to relate to parents and to socialize with caregivers and other children. If your child is in child care or preschool, ask the caretaker or teacher if your child has been showing any worrisome changes in behavior, and discuss this with your child's doctor.

Learn More:

• Treatment of Children with Mental Disorders. (National Institutes of Mental Health)
• Children and Adolescents with Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders (SAMHSA)

Last Updated: 5/7/2008