Developmental milestones (how a child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves)are things most children can do by a certain age. All young children need both developmental monitoring and developmental screening to help you and your child’s doctor, teachers, and other providers know if your child’s development is on track. Read more ›
Nearly three in five teenage girls felt persistent sadness in 2021, double the rate of boys, and one in three girls seriously considered attempting suicide, according to data released on February 13, 2023, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read more ›
Children and adolescents who do not get enough sleep have a higher risk for many health and behavior problems. Learn how much sleep students need and how many are not getting it. Read more ›
Children sometimes argue, are aggressive, or act angry or defiant around adults. A behavior disorder may be diagnosed when these disruptive behaviors are uncommon for the child’s age at the time, persist over time, or are severe. Read more ›
Being mentally healthy during childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems. Mentally healthy children have a positive quality of life and can function well at home, in school, and in their communities. Read more ›
As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves talk to your child’s doctor and share your concerns. Don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference! Read more ›
Behavior therapy is an effective treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that can improve a child’s behavior, self-control, and self-esteem. It is most effective in young children when it is delivered by parents. Experts recommend that healthcare providers refer parents of children younger than 12 years old for training in behavior therapy. Read more ›
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that among 8-year-old children, 1 in 36 are autistic. This number has increased from the one in 44 prevalence reported in previous estimates. Read more ›
In the early months of 2021, visits to emergency departments for suspected suicide attempts increased roughly 50 percent for adolescent girls compared with the same period in 2019, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read more ›
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect a child’s ability to pay attention or sit still at school, and it also can affect relationships with family and other children. Read more ›
