Monday, August 1, 2016

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

By Gary Morris


In times gone by children and young people that struggled to learn, that exhibited anti social behaviour and that generally refused to conform were labelled and treated as dumb, naughty or simply backward. Such unfortunate people were given few chances in life. Today, medical and psychological experts accept the fact that there are numerous conditions that can have a negative influence on the behaviour of children. With help from a Bay Area educational psychologist such conditions can be diagnosed and treated.

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 symptoms are common to many psychological conditions. They include an inability to focus on a task and to complete it, learning difficulties, a short attention span and fidgety behaviour. Some children talk incessantly while others withdraw into themselves and refuse to participate in social interaction. Many sufferers struggle to sleep and others develop eating disorders.

A qualified and experienced professional will conduct a very thorough assessment of the child. They will perform a number of quantitative as well as non quantitative tests. There will also be an exhaustive interview with the parents and sometimes even the teacher. The child will even be referred for a thorough medical examination because sometimes a medical condition can manifest in psychological symptoms.

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.

Diet, exercise and good sleep are all very important components of a comprehensive treatment program. Just thirty minutes of exercise, preferably out of doors, have proven to be extremely beneficial. Exercise trigger the release of feel good chemical in the brain. A diet that contains enough omega fatty acids and protein is also deemed vital. Parents must ensure that their children get enough sleep.

Ongoing counselling can help the child to learn how to cope with his condition. The therapist will teach the child techniques that will help him to increase his concentration and to deal with frustration. Many children also benefit from participating in disciplines such as yoga or meditation. It helps them to focus and to concentrate.

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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