Resources – Pediatric Partners

ABA therapy is used to help people make positive changes in their lives. This research-based therapy method has been used since the 1960s to help children with autism and developmental delays overcome the challenges keeping them from thriving.

ABA therapy fosters skill building in communication, play, learning, and social development by understanding how a person’s environment impacts how they learn and behave. The goal of ABA therapy is to help decrease problem behaviors such as tantrums or self-injury, while learning positive behaviors and building social skills.¹ ABA therapy can be used in a child’s home, school, and many other settings.

ABA therapy can be used to help build skills in many areas, including:²

• Social skills
• Attention and concentration
• Language and communication
• Motor skills
• Academic skills

Resources
1: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25197-applied-behavior-analysis

2: https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Adults and children with ADHD may have symptoms like impulsiveness, difficulty paying attention, and hyperactivity. ¹ Symptoms vary in type and severity, and everyone with ADHD needs different levels of support. Many people with ADHD have difficulty with things like finishing work or school tasks and following directions. This can make it harder for a child with ADHD to do well in school and enjoy activities.

Treatment for ADHD should be tailored to the individual’s needs and may include:

• Medications – Medications can help people manage symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
• Therapy – Behavioral health therapy can help people and families deal with the challenges of ADHD and learn strategies for managing symptoms.
• School supports – Services provided in a child’s school can help them focus on learning and build social skills².

Resources

1: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

2: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adhdadd

The most commonly diagnosed mental health challenges among children are depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders.¹ Young people can have the same mental and behavioral health challenges as adults. These may include a wide range of other challenges, such as eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and trauma.

Children with mental health needs often do not get the support they need. In 2018-2019, only half of children with a behavioral health need got care.²  Making sure kids get the support they need is vital to helping them grow and live happy lives.

If your child or someone else in your community is having mental or behavioral health challenges, Pediatric Partners is here to help. Contact our team through our referral form or call 1-888-875-5262.

If you are having a mental health or other emergency, call 911 immediately.

Resources
1: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

2: https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html