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Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

The importance of early intervention when identifying
behavioural concerns

It’s clear that children and young people express themselves through behaviours
as they grow and change on the journey to adulthood. Much of this behaviour is
to be expected as part of this turbulent, and at times troublesome, journey, but in
cases where problematic behaviours are persistent and disturbing, these may be
an indication of developmental problems such as autism, learning difficulties or
speech and language disorders.

Early identification of these behaviours allows the child the best chance of better
outcomes for the future by ensuring that appropriate support and guidance is
provided for both the child and the family or carers.
There is good evidence that addressing mental health problems early in childhood
can alleviate or prevent them later in life.

The early identification of ADHD can make a dramatic difference to a child’s prospects
by ensuring the correct approach is taken to minimise the impact of the condition and
enable the child to reach their full capability.

The early identification of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) or autism is important to
ensure that the child or young person can access the specialist interventions that will
help them to make sense of the way they feel. Without this early intervention, life can
be difficult and distressing for the child and all concerned.

Targeted early interventions can increase protective factors for children and reduce
the risk of significant mental health problems later in life. A focus on early intervention
during the most formative years of a child’s life can help to give that child the best
possible start in life.

Key Fact

Early intervention is about taking action as soon as possible to
tackle problems for children and families before they become
more difficult to reverse.

Source: The Early Intervention Foundation (EIF);
http://www.eif.org.uk/about

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