The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 8.9 percent of children experience behavioral challenges, and it can begin as early as their toddler years. Though the exact causes are varied and sometimes difficult to nail down, treatments are available with the help of a pediatrician. Get the truth about behavioral health issues in children as well as solutions when you see Dr. Jeffrey Mantia and his staff at Grandville Pediatrics in Grandville, MI.

What Is Behavioral Health?

The way that children behave can have a significant impact on their health, both physically and mentally. It also affects others in their environment, whether at home or at school. Doctors who study behavioral health in children are concerned with helping children to grow into healthy and productive adults, which includes building positive interpersonal relationships and exhibiting behaviors and reactions that are conducive to learning.

Identifying Early Signs of Behavioral Disorders

Doctors recommend regular visits to a pediatrician starting as soon as a few days after birth. That is because babies and young children need constant monitoring to check on their development and growth, including potential behavioral issues. Early signs of behavioral disorders in children include:

• Inability to make or keep friends.
• Throwing frequent, extended tantrums both in private and in public.
• Defiant personality when dealing with adults in authority.
• Uncontrolled anger.
• Loud and disruptive actions.
• Inability to sit still or be quiet, even when in a classroom.
• Aggressive traits (including violence, insulting others, and bullying).

What Can a Doctor Do for Your Child?

As with many childhood conditions, behavioral disorders are best managed when they are treated and addressed in the early stages. Talk to your Grandville, MI, pediatrician about the following solutions for behavioral health issues in children:

• Initial diagnostic evaluation (includes interviews and observation).
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (both for the child and parents).
• Medication.
• Recommendation of dietary and activity changes that can help promote better behavioral and overall health.

Get Your Child Help Today

To ensure your child’s ongoing development and growth, you need all of the support possible from doctors, therapists, and specialists. Call (616) 538-2410 today to schedule a visit to discuss your child’s behavioral health and wellness with Dr. Jeffrey Mantia at Grandville Pediatrics in Grandville, MI.