The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently issued new guidance that recommends mental and behavioral health screenings for children, beginning at 6 months old.Citing the rising rates of mental, emotional, and behavioral health concerns for children in the United States – estimated to affect 13% to 20% of the population – the AAP says an additional 19% of children experience problems that cause impairment or distress but don’t meet diagnostic criteria for a specific disorder.As a pediatrician well acquainted with the AAP’s Bright Futures screening for well visits, I know mental health screening is an important and much-needed tool to better identify mental health concerns early and effectively.
There’s an extra layer of urgency around providing early, comprehensive screening for neurodiverse children.Many parents and even pediatricians know that neurodiversity can be misunderstood, overwhelming, and/or confusing.
Many primary care physicians and pediatricians simply didn’t receive enough mental-health training during medical school and in their residencies.
Because of this, they often have a limited understanding of the brain and its effect on behavior and the emotional development of children with ADHD and its comorbid conditions.Half of the mental health challenges that progress into adulthood are identified by age 14.
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