October 4, 2021 The Differences Among Mental, Developmental, and Behavioral Conditions Mental, developmental, and behavioral conditions often get grouped together because they affect thought processes and behavior. Developmental disabilities and behavioral disorders might have negative impacts on a child’s mental health, resulting in mental illness. Like mental illnesses, some developmental disabilities and behavioral disorders are diagnosed and treated by mental health professionals, including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. They can also be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is used to diagnose mental conditions. The term “dual diagnosis” is often used to refer to children and adults who have developmental disability and/or behavioral difficulties with co-occurring mental illness. While these conditions can affect children in similar ways, they are very much different. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Having another disorder is most common in children with depression: about 3 in 4 children aged 3-17 years with depression also have anxiety (73.8%) and almost 1 in 2 have behavior problems (47.2%). For children aged 3-17 years with anxiety, more than 1 in 3 also have behavior problems (37.9%) and about 1 in 3 also have depression (32.3%). For children aged 3-17 years with behavior problems, more than 1 in 3 also have anxiety (36.6%) and about 1 in 5 also have depression (20.3%). Details and Differences Mental Illness Mental health disorders affect mood, thought processes, or behavior and can manifest in anyone at any time in their life. Mental illness does not directly impact cognitive abilities like some developmental disabilities, but they can change a person’s perceptions and thought processes and affect a person’s everyday functioning and ability to relate to others. While children can suffer from mental illnesses, these conditions can just as easily begin during adulthood and they may not be lifelong. Examples of mental illnesses that affect children: anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder. Developmental Disabilities According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developmental disabilities are “a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language or behavior areas.” These include intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities. Some developmental disabilities begin before birth but all occur during the developmental period and continue throughout the person’s life. Examples of developmental disabilities that affect children: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), vision impairment, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, and Down Syndrome. Behavioral Disorders Behavior disorders in children are diagnosed when the conduct becomes extreme and is considered pathological. The primary difference between a behavior disorder and another type of psychiatric disorder is the presence of choice. Psychiatric conditions are considered to be involuntary while in behavior disorders, choices are essential. Examples of behavior disorders that affect children: oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). More Information More information about mental, developmental, and behavioral conditions can be found on the CDC website. Mental illness: cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth Developmental disabilities: cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment Behavioral disorders: cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/behavior
Children’s Books About Mental Health There are various children’s books available that parents can use to help their children understand what specific mental health disorders are and how to cope with them. Here’s a list of some titles: Anxiety A Little SPOT of Anxiety: A Story About Calming Your Worries Written by Diane Alber Don’t Feed the Worry Bug Written and illustrated by Andi Green The Fix-It Friends: Have No Fear! Written by Nicole C. Kear, illustrated by Tracy Dockray Hector’s Favorite Place Written and illustrated by Jo Rooks How Big Are Your Worries, Little Bear? By Jayneen Sanders, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman Pilar’s Worries Written by Victoria M. Sanchez, illustrated by Jess Golden Ruby’s Worry Written by Tom Percival The Huge Bag of Worries Written by Virginia Ironside, illustrated by Frank Rodgers What to Do When You Worry Too Much Written by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D., illustrated by Bonnie Matthews The Red Tree Written by Shaun Tan When Worries Get Too Big Written and illustrated by Karl Dunn Buron Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Cory Stories: A Kid’s Book About Living With ADHD Written by Jeanne Kraus, illustrated by Whitney Martin I Can’t Sit Still! Living With ADHD Written by Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso, illustrated by Marta Fabrega Why Can’t Jimmy Sit Still? Written by Sandra L. Tunis, PhD, illustrated by Maeve Kelly Depression Can I Catch It Like a Cold? Coping With a Parent’s Depression Written by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, illustrated by Joe Weissmann The Princess and the Fog: A Story for Children with Depression Written by Lloyd Jones The Sad Book Written by Michael Rosen Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Mr. Worry: A Story About OCD Written by Holly L. Niner, illustrated by Greg Swearingen Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders A Terrible Thing Happened Written by Margaret M. Holmes, illustrated by Cary Pillo Brave Bart: A Story for Traumatized and Grieving Children Written by Caroline H Sheppard Do You Have a Secret? Written by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos Healing Days: A Guide For Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma Written by Susan Farber Straus, PhD Once I Was Very Very Scared Written by Chandra Ghosh Ippen When I Was Little… A Child’s Journey in Overcoming Abuse & Trauma Written by Keri Vellis
Understanding Child Trauma, NCTSI More than two thirds of children have reported at least one traumatic event by age 16. It’s important to recognize the signs of traumatic stress and its short- and long-term impact. More Information The signs of traumatic stress may be different in each child. Young children may react differently than older children. This informative infographic developed by SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCSTI) helps families recognize the signs of child traumatic stress by age.
Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?, NIMH Raising a child can be challenging. Even under the best circumstances, their behaviors and emotions can change frequently and rapidly. In most cases, these are just typical developmental phases. However, such behaviors may indicate a more serious problem in some children. More Information In Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage? The National Institute of Mental Health outlines mental health disorders in children, and information for parents such as when to seek help, first steps to take, how to choose a mental health professional and more.
Q&A: What Are Some of the Risk Factors for Suicide, NIMH Risk factors for suicide vary with age, gender, or ethnic group and may change over time. More Information The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders, has released a Q&A about risk factors and warning signs for suicide, as well as information about suicide prevention.
Sesame Street: Little Children, Big Challenges “Little Children, Big Challenges,” a video special from Sesame Street, offers caregivers tips on how to help children cope with uncertainty by building resilience. It focuses on building young children’s coping skills and fostering nurturing connections between them and the caring adults in their lives—whether parents, caregivers, or community providers. More Information With some of our favorite friends from Sesame Street and insights from early childhood education specialists and community service providers, the special offers tools and tips to families as they face each day with courage, optimism and hope. Suggestions include things that almost all of us can try, like sticking to a routine, talking about our feelings, and reaching out to friends and family we miss even if we are not able to see them in person. Watch the video.
Guide to Treatment for Children With Mental Health Needs, HealthyPlace How and where do you get help for your child’s psychological disorder? This guide from HealthyPlace can help families figure out where to start. More Information Families who have received help from systems of care participated with the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health in creating this guide. In seeking appropriate care for their children, family members reported having felt overwhelmed, alone, intimidated, or even blamed. They found strength by sharing their experiences with other families. They have used their experiences to help develop this guide, which can help families figure out what they need to know; what questions to ask; what to expect; and what they can do. Read the guide.
Complex Trauma: Facts for Caregivers, NCTSN Complex trauma describes children’s exposure to multiple traumatic events and the long-term impact of that exposure. These traumatic events usually begin in early life and might disrupt the child’s development and interfere with the child’s ability to form secure attachment bonds. More Information This fact sheet from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network helps parents and caregivers recognize the signs and symptoms of complex trauma and offers recommendations on how to help children heal.
Sesame Street in Communities: Exploring Emotions Feelings come in all shapes and sizes. When you help children express and understand their emotions, you’re helping them to overcome challenges, understand others, and communicate. More Information Sesame Street in Communities: Exploring Emotions gives parents the tools to help their children learn about their feelings. Worksheet activities, videos, and articles will guide children as they handle big feelings, little ones, and every feeling in between.
Services and Resources for Childhood Mental Health Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental disorders. Families play an important role in supporting their children through struggles and treatment. Check out our list of resources for available services, more information, and tools. Childhood Mental Health Resources Local Services Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation Program Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation is a free resource offered through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) that supports children’s social–emotional development from birth through age five within early learning programs participating in Keystone STARS. IECMH Consultants specialize in early childhood development and mental health and well-being. They work with parents and caregivers in the early care and education setting to provide onsite or virtual classroom observations; screening/assessment strategies for children and classrooms; implement a process to identify strengths and opportunities for growth; facilitate the creation of an action plan to support children and classroom staff; and provide Referrals for additional supports if needed. For more information, visit pakeys.org/iecmh. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Keystone Pennsylvania Chapter NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania is a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families affected by mental illness through recovery-focused support, education, and advocacy. Resources about mental illnesses and services are available. For more information, call 412.366.3788 or visit namikeystonepa.org. Steel Smiling Steel Smiling aims to bridge the gap between Black people and mental health support through education, advocacy and awareness. Their 10-year vision is to connect every Black person in Allegheny County to a positive mental health experience that improves their quality of life. For more information, call 412.532.9458 or visit steelsmilingpgh.org. The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers is an Early Intervention service provider in Allegheny County for children ages zero to three. For more information, call 412.885.6000 or visit afit.org. The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh offers behavioral health services for children and adolescents ages 5 to 21. Their licensed therapists and Certified Nurse Practitioner work closely with each client and their family to develop skills to manage mood, thinking, and behaviors – making the move towards resiliency and healing. For more information, call 412.420.2400 or visit amazingkids.org. Allegheny Intermediate Unit DART The Allegheny Intermediate Unit offers DART Preschool Early Intervention for children in Allegheny County, ages three to five, who are experiencing developmental delays or disabilities at no cost to parents. For more information, call 412.394.5700 or visit aiu3.net. National Resources National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI offers a variety of programs, support groups, and a helpline for those in need. For more information, call 1.800.950.6264 or visit nami.org. National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) was created to raise the standard of care and increase access to services for children and families who experience or witness traumatic events. Visit nctsn.org for more information. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH offers resources, brochures, and fact sheets on mental health disorders and related topics for patients and their families, health professionals, and the public. For more information, call 1.866.615.6464 or visit nimh.nih.gov. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families. SAMHSA Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series (DBHIS) focuses on disaster behavioral health resources for children and youth, their families, and child-serving professionals. DBHIS offers resources that can be used by parents and other caregivers and school staff to teach children about disasters, how to prepare before they occur, and coping with their disaster reactions. Learn more: samhsa.gov/dbhis-collections/children-and-youth-resource-collection SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI) improves treatment and services for children, adolescents, and families who have experienced traumatic events. The mission of NCTSI is to transform mental health care for children, adolescents, and families affected by trauma throughout the country by improving the quality of community-based trauma treatment and services and increasing access to effective trauma-focused interventions. Learn more: samhsa.gov/child-trauma/about-nctsi The Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health The Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health is a global organization that partners with associations of infant mental health so that associations can support, grow, diversify, and advocate for their local infant & early childhood mental health-informed workforce. For more information, call 734.785.7705 ext. 7210 or visit allianceaimh.org.
