Yesterday’s wild, overly-energetic, reckless, exasperating child may well be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2003), ADHD plagues 4 percent of children who display one or more of its three symptoms: Inattention: distractibility, forgetfulness, disorganization Hyperactivity: fidgeting, talking too muchContinue Reading
Asperger Syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger’s, is sometimes classified as a “high functioning” form of Autism. Marked by normal language and intelligence, and often accompanied by exceptional skill or talent in one or more specific areas, people suffering from Asperger’s tend to be deficient in social and communication skills,Continue Reading
Autism involves impairments in intelligence, communication, and social interaction, as well as repetitive behavior patterns (Dawson & Toth, 2006). People with autism have often been referred to as “mind blind.” They have difficulty inferring others’ thoughts and feelings. They don’t appreciate others that might view things differently than they do.Continue Reading
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), better known as Autism, is a cluster of mental dysfunctions involving brain development that affects how an individual perceives and socializes with others. It causes problems in social interactions and is characterized by extreme self-absorbtion, a lack of empathy, repetitive motor activities, and the impairment ofContinue Reading
Depression can be found in every age group, from small children to senior citizens. Depression in children can be difficult to detect because their moods can change throughout the course of the day. Children in school are especially moody and irritable, mainly due to the physical and emotional changes theyContinue Reading
Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) has replaced the past term of Mental Retardation. People receive this diagnosis when they display general intellectual functioning that is well below average, in combination with poor adaptive behavior. (APA, 2013, 2012) In addition to having a low IQ (a score of 70 or below), aContinue Reading
FASD or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a general medical term that describes what can happen to babies that are born to mothers who drink alcohol while they are pregnant. Alcohol is a poison and can cause your baby mental retardation, severe birth defects, and learning disorders. These can lingerContinue Reading
There are varying degrees of intellectual disability, formerly known as mental retardation, ranging from mild to extreme. An example of mild might be that children take longer to speak and understand, but they can communicate. They can often also take care of themselves. An example of extreme would be childrenContinue Reading
Somatoform Disorder (now referred to as Somatoform Symptom Disorder SSD) is a mental disorder that occurs in people preoccupied with bodily functions such as their heart beat, breathing or digestion. People who appear to be perfectly healthy but constantly worry about minor physical problems, a small sore or mild coughContinue Reading
Children with Conduct Disorder, a more severe problem that Disruptive Mood Dysregulation or Oppositional Defiant Disorders, repeatedly violate the basic rights of others. (APA, 2013, 2012) Conduct disorder usually begins between age 7 and 15. As many as ten percent of children, three-quarters of them boys, may qualify for thisContinue Reading