How to recognize behavioral problems in babies
introduction
Behavioral disorders include a large number of more or less pronounced behavioral disorders and are usually diagnosed in primary school age. The children stand out in a disturbing way and thus prevent themselves and others from learning. To prevent this, diagnostics at a young age would be advantageous, as early support and therapy could prevent problems later in school and at work. While this works well for kindergarten and preschool children, diagnosing a behavioral disorder in babies is much more difficult.
Read more on the topic: Behavioral problems in children
What is normal, when do you start talking about behavior problems in babies?
Exactly this question is the crux of the discussion about conspicuous behavior. In the past, conspicuous offspring were referred to as "problem children" or " Writing baby ”whose behavior is“ still growing together ”. In most cases this is true, because there are restless babies in every family who develop quite normally during their childhood. In such early childhood, it is very difficult to determine where “normal” stressful behavior in a baby ends and behavior disorders begin. In retrospect, parents of children with behavioral problems report that their child was already particularly demanding as a baby. Since a baby can only express any displeasure by screaming, complaining, not wanting to sleep, etc., a psychological cause only comes into question when acute illnesses and other disruptive factors have been eliminated and the behavior persists. However, since the exact diagnosis is not yet possible with such small children and therefore no specific therapy can be recommended, the determination of behavioral problems in babies has (yet) no medical value.
Read more on the topic: Three months of colic, teething of the molar in the baby and what is a developmental abnormality?
What are the symptoms of a behavioral problem?
In general, the affected children are conspicuously disruptive, demanding and otherwise unpleasant behavior, especially when interacting with their peers or when confronted with authority and tasks or duties. Fears and insecurities are also observed. Typically, behavioral problems are therefore found at school age, as these symptoms can only be observed from a certain age and in certain situations.
In retrospect, many parents describe that their children were already noticed as infants and toddlers due to increased crying, eating disorders, sleep problems and similar behavior. These relationships have been investigated for several years and have been partially confirmed.
However, since only a small number of "strenuous" babies later develop behavioral disorders and there is no specific therapy for children of this age, it is advisable for parents to be patient and to approach the behavior with love and understanding. Regardless of the cause of the symptoms, a good parent-child relationship and a high level of self-esteem contribute to the successful treatment of a possible later disorder.
Read more on the topic: ADD and family, diagnosis of ADD
How can I recognize a behavioral problem myself?
If the parents have the feeling that something is wrong with their child, they are usually right. Since they spend every day with the baby, they are the only ones who can tell for sure if they are behaving abnormally. This is particularly true of acute illnesses that the parents perceive before manifest symptoms appear. This is more difficult with behavioral problems. As already described, the babies can attract attention through restlessness, crying, eating disorders / refusal to eat, sleep problems and similar demands on the parents. If mother and father already have experience through an older sibling, they may notice such behavior more clearly in comparison. However, since these symptoms are not specific, behavioral problems in babies cannot in fact be determined. It is more important to recognize an additional feeling of discomfort or suffering in the child, as this could be a sign of an acute illness that requires immediate treatment. Behavioral problems, on the other hand, only become clearer in the course of childhood and then require the parents to act. Should the child therefore remain conspicuous, e.g. a more detailed clarification should be carried out in kindergarten age.
Read more on the topic:
- Difficulty falling asleep in the baby
- Nutrition in the baby
- Causes of ADD
Are behavioral problems examined during a U-examination?
There is no screening for behavioral problems. In the U-examinations, the age-appropriate physical and psychological development is examined, which can reveal massive behavioral problems. Only after the U9 and / or the school enrollment examination do the doctor focus on social and behavioral skills in order to check whether they are fit for school. But here, too, there is no specific search for behavioral problems.
Which doctor is responsible if there is a behavioral problem?
In general, the pediatrician can be used for this, and for older children also the child psychologist / psychiatrist. The pediatrician would be responsible for babies. However, as already described, behavioral problems at this age are not of great importance from a medical point of view, so there is no specialist for this.
When should I see a doctor?
Childlike behavior, which worries the parents very much, is in principle always an indication for a doctor's visit. Medical evaluation and therapy for babies is primarily important in the case of acute illnesses that are initially expressed in the symptoms already described. For behavioral problems as such, medical treatment is indicated at the earliest in toddler or school age.
Read more on the topic: school enrollment
Are there any tests for behavioral problems in babies?
It is extremely difficult to diagnose behavioral problems in older children because there is no test that can be considered conclusive. One of the reasons for this is that the definition of suspicious behavior is often unclear and it can only be determined if all other possible causes have been ruled out. There is therefore no clear test, even for older children, but rather a battery of tests that corroborate or reject the suspicion of abnormal behavior. In babies whose behavior is even more undifferentiated and possible signs even more unspecific, there can be no such test. However, should there be any suspicion of behavioral problems, studies of the baby's general development are used. However, these only allow conclusions to be drawn about the child's prosperity without shedding light on possible causes for delays.
Read more on the topic: Preventive medical check-ups for children, preventive medical checkups for newborns
Does osteopathy help?
Osteopathy, a manual diagnostic and treatment method, is offered to older children with behavioral problems and can also be used with babies. The benefit of this therapy has not been clearly established. The following applies here: What is good is what is good - if the baby is much better after the treatment, osteopathy is a useful addition to conventional medicine for almost all problems. However, it does not replace treatment by a doctor.
What can I do myself?
It has now been suggested several times that a doctor can neither clearly identify nor treat behavioral problems in babies. So what can parents do themselves when they notice that their child is not doing well? The most important principles here are love, patience and understanding, regardless of the psychological abnormalities. Because the most important thing is that the baby is comfortable, otherwise every possible problem will worsen. More specific help can be provided by experienced parents raising children with behavioral problems. Due to the high number of children who exhibit behavioral problems, affected parents can be found in almost every circle of acquaintances. The internet offers forums in abundance on the subject, but the website's integrity should be checked. For example, some babies benefit from a strictly regulated daily routine, others from a particularly high level of attention and activity, but still others are used to too much attention and only show behavioral problems when they feel neglected. Exchanging ideas with others provides ideas that can then be tried out. After all, nobody knows the child as well as their own parents.
Read more on the topic: Therapy and help for children and adolescents with behavioral problems, nutrition for ADD
