How A Bay Area Educational Psychologist Can Change The Life Of A Child

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.

Teachers, care givers and parents are often in the best position to realize that the behaviour and development of a child may not be normal. Disturbing behaviour and a sudden change in behavioural patterns does not necessarily mean that the child is suffering from a psychological condition, however. He may have experienced trauma or may even suffer from a medical condition that manifest in psychological symptoms.

Among the signs to look out for is a tendency to talk incessantly, an inability to complete a task and a tendency to flip from one project to another and a very short attention span. Poor academic performance can also be an indicator that the child may suffer from a psychological condition. When in doubt the best course of action is to have the child assesses by a professional. It can do no harm.

Child psychologists use a wide variety of tests and techniques to evaluate potential patients. Some of these tests are objective and measurable, but others are subjective and require careful interpretation. The assessor will also interview the parents. A thorough medical examination is also done because the child may suffer from a medical condition rather than a psychological one.

Many parents think that if their child is diagnosed with a condition such as ADD, for example, the matter can be managed almost instantly by the prescription of medication such as Ritalin. This is certainly not true. Medication can help, but a long term holistic treatment plan is necessary. Some patients do not react well to medication and even when they do, the medication can never be a permanent solution.

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.

Thousands of children are able to lead perfectly normal lives after their underlying psychological conditions have been diagnosed. They are not disturbed, naughty or stupid. They suffer from a recognized condition that can be treated and managed.




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