SIGNS OF TROUBLE
Younger Children
- Marked drop in school work
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hyperactivity
- Refusing or avoiding school
- Excessive worrying
- Increased disobedience or anger
- Out of character tantrums
- Persistent nightmares
- Sleeping problems
- Physical complaints, headaches, stomachaches
- Increased clinginess
- Repetitive actions or rituals
- Self blaming & feelings of guilt
What to look for. General Child & Adolescent Mental Health
When may an Assessment be Needed
- Intense dislike/avoidance of some academic tasks(i.e.reading/writing)
- Avoiding/refusing to attend school
- Overly emotional/sensitive about school work
- Frequent stomachaches/headaches Arguments/stress about homework
- Sibling rivalry about homework
- Naughtiness/distractibility in class
- Discrepancy between perceived ability and achievement
- Not following multiple instructions
- Forgetfulness and/or disorganised
- Apparent laziness/not trying
- Excessive frustration/anger
- Withdrawal from class/school activities
- Comments like “I’m dumb/stupid”
- Poor handwriting/presentation
- Difficulty with left/right, telling the time, sequences in the right order.
- Difficulty finding the right words to express themselves
- Frustration & boredom at school
- Social difficulties/playing with older/younger children