ButterflyEffects.com

For a child to prosper that child has to be happy and for that child to be happy, he or she needs to possess mental, emotional, and behavioral health. At Butterfly Effects, we are proponents of a proactive approach to children's mental health. We also encourage parents to take a proactive approach as well.

According to the National Council, almost one in five young people show signs of one or more mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders, and one in 10 youth has psychological problems severe enough to impair his or her ability to function at home and school, or in the community. (Nat. Council, 2011)

Even more startling is the fact that barely half of those children with mental disorders received treatment for their disorder within the past year. Furthermore, only a third of children with anxiety disorders received treatment. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Parents most often are the first to notice when a child is out of sorts. It's important that they pay attention to the signs and don't delay in seeking help when a problem becomes evident.
 
Some warning signs to watch for:

• Continuous decline or erratic performance in school
• Anxiety over trivial matters and unreasonable fears of harm
• Nightmares and sleep disturbances including bedwetting
• Flagrant or unrelenting disobedience
• Inappropriate aggressiveness
• Excessive frustration
• Depression or irritability
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Reclusive behavior, including an abnormal reluctance to attend school or participate in social and play activities

Even if you are uncertain about your child's mental status, we believe that it's always better to be safe than sorry. As the numbers demonstrate, parents are reluctant to seek help for their children until the manifestations become extreme or the child reaches an age where inappropriate behavior is not tolerated.

As with any other illness, the earlier a mental health situation is addressed, the better the outcome.

"Clear windows of opportunity are available to prevent MEB [mental, emotional, behavioral] disorders and related problems before they occur. An intervention before a disorder manifests itself is possible and offers the best opportunity to protect young people." (Nat. Council, 2011)

To meet these needs, Butterfly Effects can match you with the most current and respected therapists in your area.
We serve children of all ages and functional levels including children with Autism, developmental delays, and those who present challenging behaviors. We also provide mental health services to siblings and caregivers. Our services include:

• Psychological Assessment
  Our highly qualified assessment specialists know how to untangle and plan treatment for the mix of mental health issues that children with disabilities typically present. If needed, they will refer your child on for more extensive neurological or psychiatric testing.
  
  
• Parent-Child Therapy
  Caregivers are taught specific methods of interaction that will optimize communication and improve social skills. Where appropriate, children are also encouraged to develop the means to communicate their needs.
  
  
• Individual Therapy
  Each approach is tailored to the child's needs and may employ among other methods, art and play-based therapy, structured teaching, and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
  
  
• Marital and Family Therapy
  We have staff on board who are especially familiar with the issues that the parents and siblings of children receiving services often face.
  

"Untreated mental health problems can disrupt children's functioning at home, school and in the community. Without treatment, children with mental health issues are at increased risk of school failure, contact with the criminal justice system, dependence on social services, and even suicide." (Mental Health America, 2011)
Whichever approach you elect to apply, Butterfly Effects:
As your child grows and his or her needs change, Butterfly Effects will be there to help.
In addition to mental health therapists, we also have an excellent roster of occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and other rehabilitative specialists.
The best time to deal with a problem is right now. Give us a call and talk with one of our trained staff about your child's needs.
References:
Mental Health America (2011). Recognizing Mental Health Problems in Children.
Accessed at http://www.nmha.org/farcry/go/information/get-info/children-s-mental-health/recognizing-mental-health-problems-in-children

National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (2011). Children's Mental Health Facts. Accessed at http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/cs/childrens_mental_health_facts_the_national_council
National Institute of Mental Health (n.d.), Use of Mental Health Services and Treatment Among Children. Accessed at http://nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1NHANES.shtml