Parents Ask - When to Refer My 7-8 Year Old to a Mental Health Professional?

It is important to know when to refer a 7-8 year old tohard time making friends because of their behavioral
a mental health professional. A child's mental health isissues. If this problem can be treated early on then the
very important. Many children have mental healthchild has a better chance of doing well in school and
issues that go unnoticed for years. It is important tobeing able to form lasting friendships.
help children get these issues addressed early on soAnother problem to look for is when children this age
that treatment can begin as early as possible.want to only play by themselves all the time. This can
One problem that many parents and teachers ignore inbe a sign of social issues or depression in the child.
children who are between the ages of seven andChildren need to be able to socialize well with their
eight is hyperactivity, especially in boys. Hyperactivityclassmates. Some children are sad about going to
can be caused by Attention Deficit Hyperactivityschool every day and feel a separation anxiety from
Disorder.their parents. This can be a sign that the child needs to
Some of the other symptoms of ADHD include thetalk to a mental health professional to talk about their
following: child is easily distracted, cannot rememberfears and feelings.
things easily, does not want to do homework, isIt is important to know when to refer a seven or eight
inattentive at school and at home, talks a lot, is veryyear old child to a mental health professional. Early
impatient, cannot play with toys quietly, has a hard timedetection is the way to help the child thrive and deal
following instructions, and cannot follow through withwith the issues at hand.
assigned tasks or chores.Do you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your
If ADHD is not treated then the child can suffer downchild's out-of-control and defiant behavior without using
the road. Children with ADHD often have trouble inPunishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral Plans, or
school and do not get good grades. They also have aRewards?