- Aaron Smith, Health, Wellness And Tech Writer
Parents spend their waking hours protecting their children’s physical health, but mental health often goes overlooked. Mental health problems can manifest early in life, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are prone to develop conditions such as depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among others.
Embrace Preventative Measures and Treatments Early
Excellent parenting, medications, autism products, and hypnosis and therapy may help to prevent and treat common co-occurring mental health conditions. It’s important that parents take steps to mitigate risk early so mental health problems don’t develop or intensify later in life.
Additionally, parents and caregivers need to be able to recognize the symptoms of mental health problems so they can provide effective treatments as early as possible.
Recognize the Signs
There are a number of physical and mental health conditions related to autism, so it’s crucial that you know what to look for as your child develops. There are overlapping signs, so symptoms of ASD don’t always mean there’s a second underlying condition.
For example, communication disorders in children could be related only to autism, not necessarily depression, anxiety, or other conditions. When in doubt, speak to a professional to determine the cause and the best course of action.
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Here are some common symptoms associated with youth mental health conditions:
● A strong desire to avoid others and stay in solitude
● A strong feeling of hopelessness, sadness, and/or irritability
● Constantly feeling worried and anxious
● Excessive anger
● Difficulty paying attention and/or sitting still
● Seeing visions or hearing voices
● Talking about death and/or suicide
● Hurting people or animals
● Drastic changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
● Struggling in school
● Losing interest in hobbies and/or relationships
● Performing excessive rituals
● Using alcohol or drugs
Don’t Give Up Hope
Raising children is always going to come with challenges, especially if they have mental health disorders. It’s crucial that you do your best to keep learning and stay on top of conditions before they escalate. According to the American Psychiatric Association, although ASD is a lifelong condition, many children who are on the spectrum go on to live independent, productive, and fulfilling lives.
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Lead by Example
Unfortunately, many juvenile mental health conditions are caused by stress at home. Kids are like sponges, absorbing the information and stimuli around them. If they’re surrounded by negativity, it’s very difficult for them to stay positive and to learn how to deal with emotionally-charged or stressful situations. Fortunately, this principle goes both ways. If you provide a warm, loving environment, they’re significantly more likely to mirror their surroundings.
Seek Community Support
You’re not alone. It may feel like it sometimes, but 1 in 54 children in the United States have ASD, according to the CDC. That means there are countless other parents out there who are experiencing similar struggles. The autism community is so friendly and supportive, so reach out locally and join online forums if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes it takes a village!
Keep Learning
What do you know about autism? The simple truth is that you’ll never know everything there is to know about autism, and that’s okay. At the same time, it’s so important that you keep learning. That way you can adjust your approach based on the latest science. In addition to staying informed, try new things. Something as simple as buying the right toy or teaching the right lesson can produce drastic results. Even a well-timed smile can make a child’s day!
Reach Out to the Experts
As a parent, it’s natural to be protective of your children, but there are some things you just can’t do on your own. If you think your child could be developing or struggling with a mental health condition, talk to a qualified mental health professional.
Each and every child is unique and requires a unique approach. Some symptoms may just be the pains of growing up, but others could be more serious. Be mindful and stay aware of behavioral and mood shifts, and when in doubt, seek professional guidance. In the long run, you and your child will be glad you did!