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Childhood

Ages 5–9

Children referred in this category are getting more exposure to social media, peers at school and in the neighborhood.

  • They are starting to have a desire to impress their peers, which may lead to a rise in oppositional behaviors and disrespect to parents and other persons in authority.
  • They are starting to develop an interest and curiosity about “adult” activity — including sex, drug use and trying to inappropriately assume authority roles with others.
  • They are often referred by teachers, parents and physicians.

Some things to watch for…

Most of the areas to pay attention to are the same as in early childhood:

  • Attention Span ( cant focus, often off-task, distracted when spoken to)
  • Behavior ( impulsive, doesn’t follow directions, defies parents and teacher, aggressive to others)
  • Mood ( appears sad, tearful, nervous or worried, irritable)
  • Social skills (has trouble sharing, waiting his/her turn, playing cooperatively with others)
  • Classroom performance (disruptive in classroom, interrupts, learning difficulties)

 

  • Anxious, sad or withdrawn children (isolating, crying, hides from others, tantrums)
  • Children with underdeveloped Social Skills ( trouble sharing, waiting, taking turns, cooperating)
  • Overactive, impulsive and inattentive children (often distracted, excessive energy, cant focus and pay attention during class/structured time)