“What age can a child start behavioral therapy?”
My daughter is 5 years old. I want her to start behavioral therapy. What age can a child start behavioral therapy?
7 Answers
PsychologistPsychologist
A child can certainly be in behavior therapy at age 5. However, a psychologist would first conduct an assessment to find out whats wrong and based on whatever is wrong they devise a treatment plan that addresses the problem. That treatment plan may include behavior therapy. Additionally, since your child is so young, often times treatment may involve offering support to the parents so they can best support the child at home outside of the weekly therapy hour. If you have specific questions, please consult with a child psychologist.
A child can start behavioral therapy as early as 2 to 3 years old, depending on their needs. Starting at 5 years old is definitely appropriate and common. If you have any further questions or need more clarity, please consult with a psychiatrist. If youre in Texas, we welcome you to reach out to www.MidCitiesPsychiatry, were here to help you.
All behavior problems that last for six months or more could be a sign that a child needs behavioral therapy, especially if they are banging their head, they bite repeatedly or hit or kick. In somewhat older children, at any time or any age, if they threaten self-harm or threaten to
hurt others, the child should be taken immediately for evaluation. In summary, if the child has behavioral problems for more than six months, he/she should be taken for evaluation with a pediatrician or child psychiatrist with training in developmental and behavioral problems and
they will determine whether the child needs behavioral therapy.
hurt others, the child should be taken immediately for evaluation. In summary, if the child has behavioral problems for more than six months, he/she should be taken for evaluation with a pediatrician or child psychiatrist with training in developmental and behavioral problems and
they will determine whether the child needs behavioral therapy.
The principles of behavior modification which are central to behavior therapy involve the use of positive reinforcement, time out and overcorrection to name a few things involved. These are useful at all ages. But I have always known that the younger a child is, the more the actual
therapy is done by the educated caretaker or parent. A 5-year-old can be seen if the practitioner is comfortable using behavior therapy with the parents'' involvement and willingness to apply the principles on a day to day basis. Thus, the therapy is for the parents in order to help them help the child.
It is, of course, important to get a good diagnostic look at the child and family system so that one can be sure that the problem is behavioral, not medical or psychiatric before doing any behavior therapy.
therapy is done by the educated caretaker or parent. A 5-year-old can be seen if the practitioner is comfortable using behavior therapy with the parents'' involvement and willingness to apply the principles on a day to day basis. Thus, the therapy is for the parents in order to help them help the child.
It is, of course, important to get a good diagnostic look at the child and family system so that one can be sure that the problem is behavioral, not medical or psychiatric before doing any behavior therapy.
She can start behavior therapy now, she’s at a great age for that. Make sure you get a good pediatric cognitive behavioral psychologist.
A child can definitely start behavioral therapy at age 5 or even as young as 3. At this age, kids can learn a lot of strategies about managing their own behaviors and emotions but they also rely heavily upon their parents so it is critical for all caregivers to be included in the process. It’s better to start earlier and help your child learn to cope, than it is to wait for the problem to go away on its own and allow everyone to be frustrated and feel uncertain.