Let us return for a moment to our childhood, to the way we thought back then, to the way we felt. As we grow older, it is easy to forget that we were once children; that breaking our favorite stuffed animal could feel like the worst tragedy, that a quarrel with our best friend could be resolved ten minutes later while playing tag. It is easy to forget that we were far more honest about our feelings, that we did not know how to conceal them, and that we were only just beginning to learn how to live in this society full of norms, expectations… and prejudices.
In a world that leaves little room for error and difference, today's children are highly exposed to being assessed and labeled from an early age: the one who moves too much, the one who takes too long to answer questions, the one who says strange things, the one who gets distracted and does not keep up with the pace of others, the one who becomes frustrated when losing, among others. They all arrive at the clinic with parents concerned about the same reason: "(they have been told) that their children are not like the others." Assessments, therapies, and even medication are prescribed with alarming ease.
Childhood is when one begins to build their identity. To do so, we take into account what we hear about ourselves, what we enjoy doing, what we are good at, among other attributes. When working with children, it is common for them to say things like "I am very good at dancing because my mom told me" or "my teacher says I am the most attentive in my class." That information becomes part of their self-concept, or the idea they have about themselves. However, imagine that a child is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this case, the messages this child receives from adults will be "what happens is that you find it harder to listen/pay attention/stay still in class/follow instructions…" In these instances, what becomes part of their self-concept is precisely what they cannot do well.
When a child receives a diagnosis, everything around them begins to revolve around their difficulties. They receive different treatment, they must dedicate part of their free time to therapies or treatments, and occasionally, they must adapt to the effects of medication on their bodies. All of this without considering the concern and distress of parents regarding the matter. There is a transformation in the environment that the child can perceive, often leading to feelings of guilt. How will they now see themselves? Undoubtedly, the likelihood that their self-concept takes on a negative tone increases, and with it, the horizons they aspire to may become limited. In light of this situation, it is of utmost importance to also recognize their qualities, those areas in which they excel and that can restore a positive view of themselves. If difficulties arise at school, for example, physical or artistic activities that promote free expression and the release of energy can be proposed. If difficulties lie in socialization, small groups with enjoyable activities can be sought so that the child can connect with others through pleasure and enjoyment.
Children are responsive to their environment and highly sensitive to change. They themselves are constantly transforming. Childhood is characterized by the ongoing discovery of new sensations, emotions, abilities, experiences, and possibilities. Development, however, is not linear, and there may be periods of stagnation or even regression. Some aspects may develop more quickly than others, certain personality traits may shift, and there may be difficult days. It is important to recognize that childhood is a different process for each child and that they cannot all be observed under the same lens. Diagnoses may sometimes be necessary to understand and focus support for a child. However, due to the characteristics of childhood, establishing a diagnosis is highly complex and must be approached with caution and sensitivity, given all the implications it entails.
It is worth taking a moment to reflect and ask ourselves whether the assessment is truly necessary or whether we are merely facing the typical ups and downs of childhood. Are we truly listening to the children, or only to the adults around them?
#EveryoneForMentalHealth
