Children are not “little adults”. They don’t communicate their needs in the same way that grown-ups do. This can mean that parents, caregivers, teachers, and any other caring adult in a child’s life would usually capture the need for social and emotional support by noticing how the child-caregiver relationship is feeling, and by noticing how the child engages in everyday activities. Adults often reports some of the following observations when reaching out for services:
Strained relationships with peers
Struggles or lack of interest in school
Challenges with community engagement and participation
Difficulties with sleep-wake cycle regulation
Noticing increased stress signs such as running away or social withdrawal
Changes in eating and appetite
It is also common for parents to identify the need for mental health support while having conversations with teachers or caregivers. It is not uncommon for children to behave differently in a variety of settings, so events like parent-teacher conferences can sometimes help identify the benefits of additional supports.