"For example, a child may have a rash, or lose their appetite, or become lethargic. We might then commonly go online to see what this could be-often a precarious enterprise. What might simply be strep throat with swollen glands, a quick search online may inform us that swollen glands can be a sign of lymphoma or an autoimmune illness."
"We at the Clay Center have developed an approach that can lead us in the right direction and provide a guide for the steps we need to take to best support and care for our kids. Parents, even physicians, are far too often untrained in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment and need a guide to start the process of understanding the behavior of our kids, and how to help support their well-being."
"When you observe that your child has changed in some way, consider the following, in terms of a biological, psychological, and socio-environmental approach. The following are some general observations, and are not meant to be inclusive, but are a great start. And, remember, no one expects you to be trained in psychiatry or psychology, but as a parent, you are the expert in your child, and if you see a change in the baseline behavior, here are some things to look for:"
When a child shows behavioral or physical changes, assess biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors. Observe for appetite, sleep, energy, and general appearance changes to identify biological contributors. Consider emotional signs such as withdrawal, irritability, or hyperstartle as potential mental health indicators. Evaluate environmental stressors, recent events, and online information cautiously to avoid misattribution or undue alarm. Use a structured approach to determine whether medical evaluation, psychiatric assessment, or support measures are needed. Parents are experts in their child's baseline and can use this framework to guide decision-making and seek appropriate professional help.
Read at Psychology Today
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