child psych notes

Judgement

A cognitive threat perceived by the brain that can lead to feelings of danger or unease.

Expectations

Beliefs about what is supposed to happen, which can create a sense of threat when perceived as excessive.

Incongruencies

Situations where there are discrepancies between perception and experience, seen as potential threats by the brain.

Equifinality

The principle that similar outcomes can arise from different initial conditions or pathways.

Equipotentiality

The principle suggesting that different paths can lead to the same end state or outcome.

Developmental cascades

Processes where early experiences influence subsequent outcomes across different domains.

HPA axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a central stress response system that affects how the body reacts to stress.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Emotional regulation

The ability to control and manage one’s emotional responses.

Attachment

The emotional bond that typically develops between a child and their primary caregivers.

Cultural Formulation Interview

A tool used to understand a patient's cultural background and how it relates to their mental health.

DSM

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a key reference for diagnosing mental health conditions.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

Disorders that primarily affect the development of the nervous system, impacting personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Intellectual disability

A developmental disorder characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

Cerebral palsy

A group of disorders that affect movement and posture due to abnormal brain development.

Neural tube defects

Congenital defects of the spine and brain resulting from the failure of the neural tube to close during embryonic development.

Developmental milestones

Key skills or behaviors that children are expected to reach at certain ages, critical for assessing development.

Behavioral genetics

The study of how genetic and environmental factors influence behavior.

Behaviorism

Psychological approach emphasizing the study of observable behavior rather than internal processes.

Psychoanalytic theory

A psychological theory that emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior.

Social learning theory

A theory that emphasizes learning through observation and imitation of others.

Ecological Systems Theory

Urie Bronfenbrenner's view that child development is influenced by various systems in their environment.

Client-centered therapy

A therapeutic approach focused on creating a supportive and empathetic environment for clients.

Behavioral treatment

Therapeutic approaches that focus on modifying specific behaviors through reinforcement.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

A type of therapy that helps patients identify and challenge distorted thought patterns.

Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)

A disorder characterized by deficits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Communication disorder

Disorders characterized by problems with speech and language development.

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)

Learning difficulties in specific academic areas that cannot be explained by overall cognitive function.

Tic disorder

Neurological disorders characterized by involuntary movements or sounds.

Resilience

The ability to adapt and recover from difficult situations or adversity.

Equifinality

The principle that a particular end state can be reached by many possible means.

Equipotentiality

The assumption that various causes can produce the same effect.

Developmental cascade

The process by which earlier experiences influence later development across multiple areas.

Socio-cultural factors

Social and cultural influences that can impact individual behavior and development.

Multimodal assessment approach

An evaluation strategy that uses multiple methods to gather information about a child's behavior.

Functional behavior assessment

An assessment that identifies the purposes of specific behaviors in order to develop interventions.

Cognitive deficits

Impairments in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.

Phonology

The study of the sound systems of languages.

Morphology

The study of the structure and form of words in a language.

Syntax

The set of rules that govern how words combine to form phrases and sentences.

Behavioral interventions

Strategies designed to change specific behaviors through reinforcement and consequences.

Parent management training

Training for parents to help improve their child's behavior through systematic strategies.

Multidisciplinary team approach

An approach to treatment that involves professionals from different fields working together.

Behavioral assessment

An evaluation of a child's behavior in specific contexts to inform treatment.

Neurodevelopmental model

A framework for understanding the biological and environmental factors influencing development.