UNDERSTANDING & SUPPORTING CHILD MENTAL HEALTH

Mentally healthy children have a positive quality of life and can function well at home and in school. These children reach developmental and emotional milestones, acquire healthy social skills and coping skills.

Mental disorders in children affect the way children learn, behave, or handle emotions, causing persistent emotional distress that disrupts the child’s daily functioning. Common mental disorders in childhood are attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and behavior disorders. Learning and developmental disabilities, autism, and risk factors like substance use and self-harm also affect how children learn, behave, and handle their emotions.

Learning outcomes:

• Symptoms of common childhood disorders
• Treatment
• Behaviour modification
• Teaching techniques
• Good mental health