Helping Children with Disorders
By: Jamie Kuras
Updated: April 28, 2011
MIDLAND -- More then 15 million children in America have some type of disorder which limits their ability to succeed in school, with friends or at home. The stresses of going to school, fitting in, and taking tests can trouble a child as young as 5.
"Kids are just more anxious these days," said Licensed Professional Counselor Kristi Edwards. "We have TAKS tests, things going on. There's just a lot more things that are in our kids lives then we had in my day."
It's even harder for kids who have disorders, keeping them from learning at a level they are capable.
Anxiety disorder, disruptive behavior, learning disorders -- these are all very common and very treatable. But what are key signs that parents should look for?
"The easiest sign to look for is if they're different then they used to be," said Executive Director of Rays of Hope Vicki Jay. "To have a child who was outgoing who's all of a sudden withdrawn, or a child who was independent who is now not so dependent. Or perhaps the opposite, you have a child who was very shy who is now craving attention and wanting to be the center of things."
Parents who see these signs shouldn't be afraid to seek help.
"Parents don't know the coping techniques that we can teach a child," said Edwards. "So they're just saying, 'I love my child, I'm talking to my child.' That sometimes is not enough."
One key way of helping a child through a rough time is to let them express themselves.
"We use music and art, drama and photography, and all these wonderful tools as a way to get that inside stuff out," said Jay.
It's important to take that first step to help a child early and give them the tools to succeed.
If your child is going through a rough time and you may suspect they need help, you can contact Rays of Hope through their website at www.raysofhopemidland.org or Centers for Children and Families at www.centerswesttexas.org.
"Kids are just more anxious these days," said Licensed Professional Counselor Kristi Edwards. "We have TAKS tests, things going on. There's just a lot more things that are in our kids lives then we had in my day."
It's even harder for kids who have disorders, keeping them from learning at a level they are capable.
Anxiety disorder, disruptive behavior, learning disorders -- these are all very common and very treatable. But what are key signs that parents should look for?
"The easiest sign to look for is if they're different then they used to be," said Executive Director of Rays of Hope Vicki Jay. "To have a child who was outgoing who's all of a sudden withdrawn, or a child who was independent who is now not so dependent. Or perhaps the opposite, you have a child who was very shy who is now craving attention and wanting to be the center of things."
Parents who see these signs shouldn't be afraid to seek help.
"Parents don't know the coping techniques that we can teach a child," said Edwards. "So they're just saying, 'I love my child, I'm talking to my child.' That sometimes is not enough."
One key way of helping a child through a rough time is to let them express themselves.
"We use music and art, drama and photography, and all these wonderful tools as a way to get that inside stuff out," said Jay.
It's important to take that first step to help a child early and give them the tools to succeed.
If your child is going through a rough time and you may suspect they need help, you can contact Rays of Hope through their website at www.raysofhopemidland.org or Centers for Children and Families at www.centerswesttexas.org.
