Children have the same mental health conditions as adults and identifying them can be tricky for doctors. However, children are different from adults as they experience many physical, mental, and emotional changes as they progress through their natural growth and development. They also are in the process of learning how to cope with, adapt, and relate to others and the world around them.
While younger kids may not be able to express how they feel or explain why they are behaving in a certain way, it becomes difficult for parents to understand. Also, each child matures at their own pace, and what is considered "normal" in children falls within a wide range of behaviour and abilities. And so, it is important that a diagnosis of any mental health issue should be made well in time for treatment to be effective.
Common mental health disorders among children A few mental health disorders in children may include the following: Autism spectrum disorder Autism spectrum disorder or ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects social, communication, and behavioural challenges in children. While ASD can be diagnosed at any age, doctors say the first symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. Children with these issues are often confused in their thinking and have issues understanding the world around them.
Cases can be mild, severe, or somewhere in between. Doctors say an early diagnosis means treatment can begin sooner. ADHD ADHD or attention deficit hype.