Behaviour
Advice and support on managing behaviours in children and teenagers, common behavioural habits and difficulties, with explanations to why these behaviours often occur.
‘Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.’ National Autistic Society.
Autism is a spectrum condition. Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. All autistic people share certain difficulties but being autistic will affect different people in different ways. Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels of support.
People with Asperger syndrome also see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. People with Asperger syndrome are of average or above average intelligence. They don’t have the learning disabilities that many autistic people have, but they may have specific learning difficulties. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language. Some people with Asperger syndrome also have mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels and types of support.
The National Autistic Society is a leading UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families. They provide information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for people with autism.
Further information for parents, carers and anyone working with young people with autism and Asperger syndrome can be found at Royal College of Psychiatrists – ADHD and hyperkinetic disorder: for parents and carers.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school. Most cases are diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old.
Many children go through phases where they’re restless or inattentive. This is often completely normal and doesn’t necessarily mean they have ADHD.
However, if you think your child’s is demonstrating these characteristics in excess of other children of the same age, you should consider raising your concerns with your child’s teacher, their school’s special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or GP. For further information please read the NHS advice found at The NHS website – Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The Children’s Learning Disability Health Team offers a specialist community based service for children with a learning disability within Torbay.
Their own web page provides more information on who they are and what services they offer to children and their families.
For many children and families, their needs will be met through services available within their everyday routines such as Schools or Children’s Centres, GPs or Youth Centres . These services can be accessed directly, without a referral. A large range of services to support and advise can be found by visiting the Family Information Service Directory.
When the level of need is more complex and involves two or three needs that require several services to work together, then an Early Help Request for Service should be completed and submitted to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
The Early Help process guides and assists children and families and professionals so that they can get the right help to meet need
Torbay’s Early Help Strategy: Working with families in the right way, at the right time to make a difference (June 2017)
For information on positive parenting, child emotional development and behaviour.
Self-harming is when someone injures or harms themselves on purpose. If you would like to know more about self-harm, please see our Torbay CAMHS pages on self-harm.
Useful information on common childhood illnesses, wellbeing, and further information.
Getting into good sleeping habits is important for all of us. This can seem difficult at times when you have children, however, good sleep is important for your child’s physical and mental wellbeing as well as your own. The following links provide some excellent advice that you can follow for yourself with your family. If for any reason problems still persist, please contact your 0-19 nurse team for further advice.
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