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How A Bay Area Educational Psychologist Can Give A Troubled Child A New Lease On Life

By Gary Morris


In times gone by children and young people that struggled to learn, that exhibited anti social behaviour and that generally refused to conform were labelled and treated as dumb, naughty or simply backward. Such unfortunate people were given few chances in life. Today, medical and psychological experts accept the fact that there are numerous conditions that can have a negative influence on the behaviour of children. With help from a Bay Area educational psychologist such conditions can be diagnosed and treated.

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.

If a psychological condition is diagnosed, the next step is to develop a specific treatment plan unique to that patient. In some cases medication is prescribed, but this is not always deemed to be beneficial. Some patients do not react well to medication or they experience adverse side effects. There is no miracle medicine that can neutralize all the symptoms of any specific condition.

Treatment programs almost always include the management of the diet, exercise regime and sleeping pattern of the patient. Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes every day, have proven to provide relief for many of the symptoms experienced by patients. A strict sleeping regime, with set times for going to sleep and getting up also help. Diet is very important and patients are encouraged to eat smaller meals more frequently rather than one or two bigger meals each day.

Ongoing counselling can help the child to learn how to cope with his condition. The therapist will teach the child techniques that will help him to increase his concentration and to deal with frustration. Many children also benefit from participating in disciplines such as yoga or meditation. It helps them to focus and to concentrate.

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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