Resource Library

FAQs

What can a parent or caregiver expect after they request a referral to special education or related services?

If an evaluation is needed, a team which includes the parents (In Connecticut this is called a Planning and Placement Team, PPT) will meet to share information about the child’s…

FAQs

What is the difference between evidence-based, best and promising practices in mental health?

Over the past 25 years, we have learned a great deal more about which services work best for children with mental or behavioral health challenges. Services that have been found…

FAQs

How do I talk to my child about this?

It is important for parents to be honest and use words your children can understand. A good place to start is by asking your child to talk about what is…

FAQs

How do I talk to the rest of the family about my child’s issues?

If you talk to your child’s brothers and sisters, use words that are right for their age and that they can understand. Be careful not to burden your other children with too…

FAQs

How will mental health problems affect my child in school?

How your child acts at school may or may not be affected by his/her mental health issue. It depends upon the type of issue. Many times, it is helpful to…

FAQs

How do I get support for myself?

Parents and caregivers often say that talking to other parents is one of the most useful forms of support. Connecticut has many family advocacy and support centers where trained parents…

FAQs

How does my child’s gender impact mental health issues?

Both boys and girls can have mental health concerns and sometimes these issues show themselves in different ways. The way in which mental health issues develop depend on many things, but…

FAQs

What will other people think if they find out my child has a mental health issue?

It is common for people to worry about what others think and have concerns about the stigma (shame) of mental health issues. Stigma can sometimes get in the way of…

FAQs

Does this mean my child will have a lifelong problem?

Like other health problems your child may face, many mental health problems take care of themselves with time and the right treatment. It is important to get treatment for your…

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Will my child take medication forever?

It is not likely that your child will take medications forever. How serious and what type of diagnosis your child has will affect how long your child will need his/her…

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Are my child’s problems caused by something I did?

It is a common feeling for parents to blame themselves for their children’s issues. Children’s mental health issues are a result of many different things including biological (genes), environmental, family,…

FAQs

What are common side effects of specific medications?

Side effects differ with each medication. Common side effects include symptoms such as drowsiness and changes in appetite. It is best to ask your doctor and/or the pharmacist about the…

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Is the medication dangerous?

Medications that have been approved for use for children must go through an intense review by the Federal Drug Association (FDA). All medications have risks and it is important to…

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Is the medication expensive?

Medications differ in price and in some cases can be expensive. Most common psychiatric medications are paid for by insurance plans and HUSKY. If your family is getting HUSKY/Medicaid coverage…

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What if my child needs medication?

Depending on the type, how serious and how long your child has had the symptoms, your pediatrician or child psychiatrist may prescribe medication for your child. Often, medication is prescribed…

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Will the medications change my child’s personality?

Typically, no. Medications will not usually significantly change personality, but should affect your child’s symptoms. This is a common concern for parents because giving your child any medication is always a concern.…

FAQs

What are the differences between testing, screening, assessment and evaluation?

Testing is a generic term that can be used in different places and often means that a professional, such as a teacher, pediatrician, counselor or special education consultant wants to…

FAQs

What are the different types of treatment?

There are many types of treatments for children who have mental health issues. Individual outpatient treatment is where your child will see a counselor one or more times weekly to…

FAQs

What other treatments are there?

Some parents choose faith-based support, recreational activities, native or local healers, or nutritional plans to help with their child’s mental health concerns. Parents must find out whether these treatments have worked…

FAQs

What questions should I ask the therapist?

When considering a therapist for your child or teen, it’s okay to ask plenty of questions before choosing the one that best fits your needs. The most important question to…

FAQs

What treatment is best for specific disorders?

The mental health field has come a long way in knowing which treatments work best for some issues and concerns, but there are often not easy answers. If your child…

FAQs

How do I know if my child needs help right away?

If your child is in crisis and is at risk for hurting himself or others, you should get help right away by calling 911 or get help through the 211…

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How do I find a mental health professional?

If you have private insurance, you may need to choose a provider in your network. Families may also choose out of network providers but may have to pay some costs…

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What are the differences between different types of therapists – psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, family therapists, nurses and counselors?

There are many types of professionals that provide mental health services to children. When choosing a therapist it is best to seek the services of a licensed mental health professional or…

FAQs

How do I know when to worry about my child’s mental health?

As the person who cares for your child, you usually know your child better than anyone else. As your child develops and grows, they may have problems from time to time.…

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Who do I turn to for help?

It is sometimes hard to know whom to turn to when your child has mental health concerns. A good place to start is your child’s doctor or pediatrician. You can…

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What if a child is not in school and the parent or caregiver thinks the child may have a mental health issue or disability?

If a child is less than three years old and it is suspected that he or she may have a disability or significant delays, the child may be referred to…

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Where will a child receive his/her special education and related services?

A child who is eligible for special education and related services, if possible, must be educated with his/her non-disabled peers in the general education class in the school that the…

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What are some of the laws that protect a child with a mental issue or disability?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that offers special…

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How is progress measured in the IEP?

The IEP must include a statement of how the child’s progress will be measured. An explanation of how parents will be given information of that progress should be included in…

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How is an IEP different from a 504 plan?

A 504 plan, which falls under civil-rights law, is a plan to allow students with disabilities to participate freely and safely in school to get the same opportunities as everyone…

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What happens if the child is not eligible for special education?

If the PPT team decides that the child is not eligible for special education, the school district must tell the parents and caregivers of this decision in writing and explain…

FAQs

What is an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

If a child is found eligible to receive Special Education services, the IEP is a written plan that describes in detail your child’s special education program. All students receiving special…

FAQs

What is a Planning and Placement Team (PPT)

A PPT is a made up of certified and / or licensed professionals who represent: The child’s regular education teacher At least one special education teacher An individual who can…

FAQs

What can a parent or caregiver expect at the first PPT meeting?

The first PPT meeting will document the referral to special education and will discuss the evaluation process. The team will look at information that is already available about how the…

FAQs

What are the eligibility requirements for special education and related services?

To be eligible for special education and related services a child must be between 3 and 21 years old and have one or more of the following disabilities, determined by…

FAQs

How can a parent or caregiver request a referral to special education services?

There are two ways that a child may be identified as possibly needing special education and related services: the system known as Child Find (which operates in each state), and…

FAQs

What can a parent or caregiver expect after they request a referral to special education or related services?

If an evaluation is needed, a team which includes the parents (In Connecticut this is called a Planning and Placement Team, PPT) will meet to share information about the child’s…

FAQs

What has to happen before a child is referred for special education and related services?

Before a child is considered for a referral to special education services, other procedures and programs must have been attempted with that child and where appropriate, put into place in…

FAQs

How can a parent or caregiver formally request help for their child through the school?

It is important to find out why a child may be having trouble at school. In some cases, a child may have a mental health issue or a disability. By…

FAQs

What are the steps to receive special education and related services for a child with a mental health issue or disability?

Meeting the educational needs of a child in school is important to their success. It is important for parents and caregivers to understand the process which can be confusing. There…

FAQs

What are “school-based mental health services” and who is providing them for the child?

School-based mental health services include a broad range of activities and services, including: formal assessment, prevention strategies, or interventions such as counseling, consultation, and referrals for services and supports in…

FAQs

How can I get help for my child from my community?

You can get help from your child’s pediatrician or from community mental health providers. To find a qualified mental health professional, you can talk with your private insurance company who…

FAQs

What are the warning signs that my child might be having difficulty in school due to mental health related issues?

As a parent, you usually know your child better than anyone else. There are a variety of signs that might suggest your child is having difficulties at school. Some possible things to…

FAQs

I have some concerns, what do I do next?

When you have concerns about your child’s behavior in school or are worried that their mental health problems may be interfering with their academic performance, the best thing to do…

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Will my child continue to have problems in school if he can’t get along with other children when he is young?

It is very important to get help for any concerns you have about your child’s ability to play well with others or to respond well to adults. When young children don’t…

FAQs

What are the different ways of treating my young child’s mental health issues?

For very young children, the treatment typically involves working with parents and their children together. It often includes visiting with parents at home to find out what their concerns are…

FAQs

My child care has warned that my son may be asked to leave if he continues to harm other children. What should I do?

You may want to talk to your child’s teacher to find out as much as you can about what is going on: when does this harmful behavior occur, who is…

FAQs

How will a doctor or mental health provider be able to identify my young child’s mental health concerns?

When you meet with your pediatrician or doctor, he/she is going to try to understand your concerns. Your doctor will ask you questions about your child’s symptoms, when they occur…

FAQs

Do young children remember traumatic events?

Trauma refers to an overwhelming, unanticipated danger or event that cannot be mediated or processed by the individual. Traumatic events are a direct threat to a person’s wellbeing. When confronted…

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What are the early warning signs of mental health problems/social and emotional delays?

Some early warning signs can include: the lack of ability to be soothed, lack of regular sleep/awake cycles, and serious issues with feeding. Although all children experience these problems from time…

FAQs

Where do I go for help when I have concerns?

You do not have to worry alone. If you have concerns about your infant or toddler call your child’s pediatrician as soon as you can. Discuss your concerns and ask if these…

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Why do I feel sad and overwhelmed by taking care of my young child? What can I do?

Being a parent or caregiver is hard work and very demanding. Feeling sad and having lack of energy after giving birth is normal for 50-80% of new mothers. Many new mothers will…

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What can go wrong with my young child’s mental health?

Some children have temperaments or personalities that make it hard to be a good parent. Their parents and caregivers have challenges in searching for the right way to sooth, comfort, and…

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What is Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health?

When we talk about infant/early childhood mental health we mean the early relationships infants and toddlers have with their parents or caregivers and their ability to experience emotion and explore…

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What are the signs of healthy development in my young child (birth to 6)?

Here is what to look for in your young child that will show good mental health: Babies are alert and willing to explore toys and play with caregivers. They enjoy being…

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How can I support the healthy social and emotional development of my young children (prenatal to six years)?

Parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers can best support good mental health very early in development, even before the baby is born. Good prenatal care is very important to how…

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What are some effective treatments available to help my child with traumatic stress?

Treatments that research shows can reduce child traumatic stress are called “evidence-based treatments”. There are many evidence-based treatments available in many states through qualified mental health professionals and agencies. Please…

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Where can a parent/caregiver get support or help dealing with child traumatic stress?

There are many resources both nationally and locally (CT) to help parents and caregivers cope and find treatment for childhood traumatic stress. One great resource is called Get Help Now,…

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What is a Trauma Screening or Assessment?

A child’s primary care doctor can conduct a short trauma history for the child, or your child can be screened directly by a mental health specialist. Screenings are completed by the…

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Do I have to get help for my child who shows signs and symptoms of traumatic stress?

In some cases child traumatic stress symptoms may or may not meet the criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Children can show their PTSD symptoms differently than adults. These PTSD…

FAQs

What questions should I ask my doctor?

It is important to talk with your primary care doctor about your child’s symptoms to help you determine if your child’s symptoms are unusual or worrisome and if you should…

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What are the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children?

Symptoms of PTSD in children (also referred to more broadly as “childhood traumatic stress”) typically fall into four major categories: Traumatic Repetitions Traumatic play Play reenactment Nightmares Flashbacks and dissociation…

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How can I help my child deal with his/her reaction to a traumatic event?

If you are concerned about your child, it is best if you consult a qualified mental health specialist who has been trained to work with traumatic stress reactions. If left untreated,…

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When should I worry about my child’s reaction to a traumatic event?

It is important to understand that most children will likely develop some stress reactions if they have been the victim of a traumatic experience. In many cases, some acute reactions…

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What is Childhood Trauma?

Trauma occurs when a child experiences an intense event that threatens or causes harm to his or her emotional and physical well-being. Some events are more likely to be traumatic…

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What are some reactions that my child may have after experiencing a traumatic event?

When children experience a traumatic event, they may react in both a psychological and physical way. Their heart rate may increase, and they may begin to sweat, to feel agitated,…