Infant, Child and Adolescent Disorders

The disorders of childhood, from infancy through adolescence, include a bewildering range of problems. They are outlined on this page. Mental retardation is one of the most tragic and common problems; at this time, it can be managed but, in most cases, not overcome. Children can also be diagnosed with adult disorders if they meet the criteria for such a diagnosis; there is no continental divide of the mind between them. Many, if not most, adult disorders have precursors before adolescence, and many childhood disorders continue into adulthood.

If your child or someone you love has one of these disorders, you should consult a mental health professional (clinician, therapist). A mental health professional  will conduct a thorough evaluation  to first understand what is happening and then will discuss treatment options, including medications.

There are many ways family members or loved ones can help individuals  to deal with their disorder better. 

We have provided links to sources of information, to parent groups when we know of them, and suggestions about finding mental health professionals who deal with each problem. Just click on the disorder that concerns you in the list below  to access this information. 

Attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders
Communication Disorders
Elimination Disorders
          Encopresis (Lack of bowel control)
          Enuresis (Bedwetting)
Feeding and eating disorders of infancy or early childhood
         Pica (eating nonnutritive substances)
         Rumination Disorder
         Feeding Disorder of Infancy or Early Childhood
Learning Disorders 
Mental Retardation
Motor Skills Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)
         Autistic Disorder
         Rett’s Disorder
         Asperger's Disorder
         Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
         PDD Not Otherwise Specified
Tic Disorders
        Tourette’s Disorder
        Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder
        Transient Tic Disorder
        Tic Disorder not Otherwise Specified
Other disorders of infancy, childhood, or adolescence
         Separation Anxiety
         Selective Mutism
         Reactive Attachment Disorder
         Stereotypic Movement Disorder
         Not Otherwise Specified Disorder of Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence: