When you have a child, you get to enjoy watching your child grow and develop. You also get to watch changes in your child’s behavior. Most of these changes are completely normal, like testing boundaries and showing independence. Other behaviors may be signs of a behavioral disorder. Your pediatrician can help.
Dr. Corazon Panes Sanchez at Sanchez Pediatrics provides a wide range of children’s medical services, including screening and treatment of behavioral disorders. She has three convenient office locations in Port Deposit, Rising Sun, and Essex, MD, to help you and your child.
Understanding Childhood Behavioral Disorders
There are some common behavioral disorders that have signs for you to watch out for:
ADHD – is one of the most common behavioral disorders. Signs of ADHD include:
- Inability to complete tasks
- Losing or forgetting things
- Frequently squirming and fidgeting
- Frequent daydreaming
Learning disabilities – which can cause your child to do poorly in school. Signs of a learning disability include:
- Difficulty completing homework
- Difficulty with focus and concentration
- Difficulty learning new material
Developmental delays – which can inhibit your child’s normal development. Signs of developmental delays include:
- Difficulty with speech
- Difficulty coordinating movements
- Difficulty reaching normal milestones like walking
Depression and anxiety – can lead to harmful behaviors. Signs of depression and anxiety include:
- Frequently feeling depressed and unhappy
- Frequently feeling anxious about school or relationships
- Withdrawing from you and others
- Experiencing frequent mood swings
Your pediatrician can help by providing a behavioral and developmental assessment, which can happen at your child’s well-visit appointments.
Your pediatrician is an expert at the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral disorders. Other specialists like child psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, and others may be consulted by your pediatrician.
Your pediatrician may combine a few therapies to help your child, including medication therapy, and individual and family counseling.
Talk with Your Pediatrician Today
To discover more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of common childhood behavioral disorders, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Sanchez at Sanchez Pediatrics. You can reach her in any of the office locations in Port Deposit, Rising Sun, and Essex, MD, by calling (410) 642-9172, so call now.