This guide helps primary care pediatricians, family doctors, nurse practitioners, and other professionals identify, treat, and prevent mental health problems as well as promote good mental health in their patients. Clinicians will gain insight into effective methods for helping patients and families share mental health concerns, learn about mental health issues, and develop positive attitudes about seeking treatment from specialty providers. Available for purchase at https://shop.aap.org/mental-health-strategies-for-pediatric-care-paperback/ (NOTE: This book features a full text reading experience. Click a chapter title to access content.)
7.4: Behavioral Concerns in Children With Developmental Disabilities
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Published:December 2021
"Behavioral Concerns in Children With Developmental Disabilities", Mental Health Strategies for Pediatric Care, Susan G. Forman, PhD, Jeffrey D. Shahidullah, PhD, Cody A. Hostutler, PhD, Cori M. Green, MD, MS, FAAP, Rebecca A. Baum, MD, FAAP
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This chapter focuses on mental health conditions in children with developmental disabilities such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and language disorders. Children with developmental disabilities have an increased risk for mental health conditions, and their presentation can be more subtle or nondescript, especially if they have cognitive and/or language impairment(s). Following is a case example of a 6-year-old boy with moderate intellectual disability who presents with disruptive behavior.
As in Juan’s case, the pediatric clinician may encounter nonspecific symptoms such as aggression or oppositional behavior at the child’s presentation. An important role for the clinician is to evaluate whether...
