Thursday 28 July 2016

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

By Gary Morris


In less enlightened times children that displayed unruly behaviour, that had difficulty learning and reading, that struggled to concentrate on a task and that exhibited socially unacceptable behaviour were deemed as plain stupid, wilfully naughty and often even as abnormal. Nowadays psychological and medical experts know that their is a variety of recognizable conditions that can cause these symptoms and behavioural patterns. A Bay Area educational psychologist can help such children to manage their conditions and to lead normal lives.

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.

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 are also important. During these sessions young patients learn techniques that help them to cope with their conditions and to channel their energy in a positive manner. Many patients also practice disciplines such as yoga and meditation. This helps them to improve their concentration and to focus on a single issue at a time.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment