Behavioral health issues aren’t just something that occurs in adults. Kids (even young kids) can deal with mental health issues. While many parents hope that outbursts, social withdrawal, and anxious behaviors are just a phase or something their child will “grow out” of, it’s still important that you consult a doctor. The pediatric team here at Children's Wellness & Developmental Center can pinpoint warning signs of mental illness and also help you figure out the next steps to ensuring that your child gets the proper care and treatment they need.

Childhood Behavioral Disorders

Some of the most common types of behavioral disorders we see in kids include,

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Tourette Syndrome
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Emotional Behavioral Disorder

Behavioral Warning Signs in Children

It’s normal for kids with these types of disorders to become upset more easily or to act out. Some signs that your child could have a behavioral disorder include,

• Refusing to follow authority or rules
• Frequently throwing temper tantrums
• Prone to outbursts and easily angered
• Quick to nervousness
• Blaming others

It’s important that if you suspect that your child might have a behavioral health problem that you seek care from a qualified pediatrician. The team here at Children's Wellness & Developmental Center have worked with children and teens dealing with a wide range of behavioral health issues.

We can provide comprehensive assessments, as well as create custom treatment options. These treatment plans can include medication, as well as healthy lifestyle adjustments that can improve your child’s symptoms (e.g., getting the proper amount of sleep each night; getting regular aerobic exercise every day).

We can also offer referrals for counselors and psychologists, as well as provide tailored recommendations for support groups and academic interventions to improve behaviors and to set your child up for success in all aspects of their daily life, from school to home.

If your child is displaying signs of a behavioral issue, this is something that you can bring up with our pediatrician during your next well-child visit (or sooner, if the issue warrants). To discuss your child’s mental health with us, simply call Children's Wellness & Developmental Center at (732) 919-1335.