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How Mental Health Screenings Benefit Neurodiverse Children, If Insurers Cover Them
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.