When Tiny Tots Face Big Issues

"Identifying problems early and turning them around makes a big impact on a child's development for the rest of  his or her life." Harry Wright, M.D.

Dr. Wright credits an increased awareness of children’s mental health needs to a tremendous amount of research done on brain devel-opment over the past few years and accompanying media coverage about the importance of early cognitive and emotional development in kids. The sole psychiatrist in the department with a subspecialty in infant mental health, Dr. Wright is pleased that such strides have contributed to a greater understanding of the subspecialty. The field of infant mental health is dedicated to three emphases: 1) promoting healthy social emotional development of infants, toddlers and preschoolers, 2) working with families of young children that may be at risk of disturbances or disorders, and 3) treating families that are already experiencing problems with children age five and younger. Most of Dr. Wright’s work is focused on the third emphasis.

“Some of the most common issues are relational problems between parent and child,” said Dr. Wright, who receives referrals from a wide variety of sources. Other problems that bring children to his attention include language delays that have affected development, autism, developmental disorders, and behavior difficulties such as excessive irritability or crying. Therapy at such a young age is not a talk therapy for the child, but an educational process involving the child and his or her parents or caregivers. “The adults in the lives of very young children are extremely important. We try to find out about all the adults in a child’s life and work with them to foster positive social emotional development,” he said.

Services are also provided through an infant early childhood clinic offered in conjunction with Hall Psychiatric Institute in Columbia, South Carolina. Children are assessed at the clinic for a range of behavioral and developmental problems. “We provide a consultation report back to the referring agency or individual. We may give recommendations such as the child benefiting from having a more structured childcare situation or being evaluated for other medical problems,” said Dr. Wright. Some children are referred to an intensive preschool program that is also based at Hall Psychiatric Institute. The half-day program utilizes a team of mental health professionals in a small group setting to help children learn to function better in a home, preschool and/or daycare environment. Children stay in the program from a number of weeks to a number of months, depending on their particular situation and how they respond to treatment. Parental involvement and education is an integral part of the process.

Dr. Wright is committed to caring for very young children, particularly in light of the fact that few psychiatric resources exist for them statewide and even on a national level. He’s witnessed firsthand what appropriate intervention can do for these children. “Identifying problems early and turning them around makes a big impact on a child’s development for the rest of his or her life. “We’ve seen children years later that we have helped early on and they are doing quite well. That’s always the big payoff we hope for.”

Reprinted from Connections newsletter, April 2003

Connections is produced twice a year by University Specialty Clinics. Connections articles are copyrighted and may be downloaded and/or reprinted for personal use only. Prior written consent is required in order to reprint or electronically reproduce any articles, graphics and photographs appearing on the website. For more information, contact Diane J. Epperly, Connections editor, at wordchef@atlanticbb.net .