12. Assessment of developmental learning and behavioural problems in children and young people

Abstract

Brain development from late pregnancy to 3 years of age affects a child's learning, behaviour and health throughout life. Behavioural difficulties in children are usually symptoms of underlying problems. Observing a child's appearance and performance, and taking a detailed history (considering factors in the child, the home, the school and the wider environment) provide most of the information needed for diagnosing behavioural problems. It is important to know what is "normal" for all stages of a child's development, but equally important not to confuse behavioural difficulties with normal variations and behaviours associated with developmental stages. Assessment and early intervention for behavioural and learning difficulties in children require a multidisciplinary team approach. As well as the recommended "multimodal" approach for managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, shared care with a general practitioner is available in some states, but medication is likely to be the trigger for a positive outcome.