Children & Teenagers Counselling
Child counselling
Child counselling promotes effective learning, ensures overall growth and development of the child. It is natural that the adults in the children’s life decide whether the child needs any support from counsellors in regard to their learning and memory related issues, and emotional wellbeing. Unfortunately, many adults doesn’t have the awareness to understand the needs to get a support and even when some of them become aware of the necessity, the open mindedness to accept the issues (the signs and symptoms) due to many personal and social stigmas. There is a lot way to go, in improving this attitude from the adults of the children.
Concerns to be understood by the family members that your child needs counselling and support
- Difficulty to concentrate
- Lack of attention span
- Hyper activity – Attention Deficit Hyper activity Disorder (ADHD)
- Memory related difficulties
- Learning difficulties/academic concerns
- Behavioural problems
- Irritability/restlessness
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Autism
- Conduct issues
- Anger issues
You may think each child will/may exhibit some of the above mentioned symptoms at some point of their development. But, if such symptoms increase and starts affecting the child, then, it becomes a matter for concern that needs intervention, support from counsellors and therapists. When child’s social life starts to expand, he/she may start facing issues from friends, school and teachers and sometimes even from family atmosphere. This may induce confusion, fear, anxiety, stress and frustration in him/her. At some situations, a child may find difficult to cope up at par with his/her peers and fail to perform as expected of him. This may result to fear, anxiety and later may end up in aggressive behaviour or/and anxiety or social anxiety issues.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is one of the important neurological developmental disorders among children, adolescents and even in adults. It displays poor attention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness and in turn can hinder the school/academic performance such as attaining goals, developing multiple abilities and competitiveness. Though there are enough literature that informs about the prevalence of ADHD all over the world, it is not well understood in India. Many studies have been conducted to estimate the prevalence of ADHD in India, and it is identified that nearly 7% of school going children are reported with ADHD (Indian J. Psy).
Symptoms
- Inattentiveness or poor attention span
- Lack of patience
- Impulsivity
- Not able to sit or stand at one place for a considerable time.
- Easily distracted
- Difficulty to follow the instructions
- Shabby maintenance of books, note books and belongings
- Troubled relationship
- Poor academic performance
- Low self esteem
Facts
- ADHD–Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is commonly diagnosed in childhood.
- Symptoms of ADHD can be noticed as early as the child in 3 years old.
- Percentage of boys identified with ADHD is more than girls.
- ADHD mostly co-exists with developmental disorders like ODD, learning disability etc.
- ADHD occurs in children and continues in adulthood.
Causes
- Genetic reasons
- Exposure to toxins, harmful radiation, drugs or chemicals during pregnancy
- Premature birth and other complications during delivery
Therapies for ADHD
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy – to improve better interaction and social skills
- Special education
- Individualized behavioural therapy
- Alternative Therapy
- Psycho educating parents to understand the disorder and need of their child.
