Just a few years ago, many parents were told that the child is simply „naughty”, „spoilt” or „needs to grow out of it”. Today, the situation is completely different. Increasingly, a child’s isolated difficulties are very quickly interpreted as symptoms of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and sensory integration disorder or what is broadly referred to as „high sensitivity”. In the online world, almost any behaviour can nowadays be fitted into some kind of diagnostic label.
On the one hand, parents’ growing awareness is of immense value. Thanks to this, many children receive help much earlier than they did just a dozen or so years ago. On the other hand, however, we are increasingly seeing a tendency to over-interpret natural developmental difficulties and to attempt to explain every emotion or behaviour with a diagnosis.
It is becoming increasingly common for parents to turn up at a child psychologist’s surgery and say, right from the very first session:
- „I think it’s ADHD”
- „It’s definitely on the spectrum,”,
- „Everything’s correct on the internet.”.
Meanwhile psychological diagnosis children It should never be based on individual symptoms, short videos on social media or checklists found online.
Why are parents so keen to seek a diagnosis these days?
Modern parents are under enormous pressure. On the one hand, they want to support their child as best they can. On the other, they are constantly being told that they might be missing something. Social media is full of content suggesting that:
- a child’s difficulty concentrating indicate ADHD,
- the need for solitude indicates autism spectrum disorder,
- strong emotions are a sign of regulatory disorders,
- sensitivity to stimuli requires a diagnosis.
The problem is that many of these behaviours can also be seen in children who are developing perfectly normally. Children can be impulsive, emotional, distracted, shy or over-reactive – particularly at certain stages of development or when feeling overwhelmed. Natural childhood difficulties They are increasingly no longer seen as part of development, but are beginning to be treated as potential disorders that need to be identified.
A child’s challenging behaviour does not always indicate a disorder
As child psychologist, I would say that this is one of the most important aspects of the work. A symptom in itself very rarely tells the whole story.
A child may find it difficult to concentrate because:
- is chronically tired,
- is experiencing sensory overload,
- operates under stress,
- is experiencing emotional difficulties,
- is experiencing family tensions,
- is struggling to cope with the pressure at school,
- does not get enough rest and exercise.
The situation is much the same when it comes to emotional outbursts. An aggressive child, tearfulness or overreactivity are not always symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders. Sometimes they are the nervous system’s response to overload and chronic stress. In clinical practice, we very often see children who do not require a diagnosis of a disorder, but rather a change in their environment, greater emotional regulation, a calmer daily routine or relational support.
ADHD and ASD – why is a professional diagnosis so important?
At the same time, it is worth emphasising very clearly: ADHD and autism spectrum disorders are genuine neurodevelopmental difficulties. They are not a „fad” or a „parenting excuse”. The problem arises, however, when these terms start to be used too broadly and without proper diagnosis.
Reliable diagnosis of ASD or diagnosis of ADHD in children requires:
- a thorough developmental interview,
- observation of the child,
- analyses of how systems function in different environments,
- emotional and cognitive assessment,
- cooperation between specialists,
- to rule out other causes of the difficulties.
A diagnosis cannot be made simply because the child:
- doesn't like noise,
- has difficulty dealing with emotions,
- gets bored easily,
- has been withdrawn,
- can be impulsive.
Many traits may overlap, and some behaviours fall within the normal range for development or temperament.
A child’s environment is of immense importance today
An increasing number of children are living with chronic nervous system overload. A demanding school curriculum, an excess of extracurricular activities, a fast-paced lifestyle, excessive screen time and a lack of rest mean that children are finding it increasingly difficult to regulate their emotions.
A child who:
- he doesn't get enough sleep,
- spends many hours in front of the screen,
- there isn’t much room for fun,
- lives in a constant rush,
- experiences the emotional tension of adults,
may exhibit behaviour resembling neurodevelopmental disorders.
That is why A good diagnosis for children always takes the whole environment into account the child’s functioning, rather than merely a list of symptoms.
Why are labels sometimes so important to parents?
For many parents the child’s diagnosis brings relief. It helps them understand their child’s difficulties and often reduces feelings of guilt. Parents no longer hear only comments about „poor parenting” and those suggesting that the child is difficult, and begins to realise that these difficulties have a specific cause. This is a very important aspect of psychological support.
At the same time, it is worth remembering that a diagnosis must not become the only way of looking at a child. A child is not „ADHD”, „ASD” or a „behavioural problem”. They are a person with their own temperament, emotions, strengths and needs.
The greatest threat to today’s culture of diagnosis is a situation in which a label begins to replace a genuine understanding of the child.
When should you see a child psychologist?
Consulting a specialist is always a good idea when you are experiencing difficulties:
- last for a long time,
- are intensifying,
- make it difficult to go about one’s daily life,
- affect social relations,
- cause suffering to the child or the family.
However, the aim of the visit should not be to „jump to a diagnosis” quickly, but to understand the source of the child’s difficulties and needs. Contemporary child psychology increasingly emphasises that A child’s difficult behaviour is very often caused by an overloaded nervous system, unmet emotional needs or a lack of a sense of security, rather than merely a disorder in need of a label.
That is why the most important question is not: „What’s wrong with my child?”
What is far more important is: „What is the child trying to tell us through their behaviour?”.
Child psychologist in Warsaw
If you have concerns about your child’s behaviour, you don’t necessarily need to know straight away what’s wrong. Sometimes, just one conversation with a specialist is enough to see (and understand) more. A visit to Kids Medic You can book online, by phone or via the form on the website.
Monika Maćkowska
Child psychologist
Source of photos: Magnific.com
