Through greater understanding of when and how fast specific areas of children's brains develop, we are learning more about the early stages of a wide range of mental illnesses that appear later in life. New research shows that there’s actually no lowest-age limit for developing mental illnesses and that infants and toddlers can be affected.
There’s a pervasive, but mistaken, impression that young children do not develop mental health problems and are immune to the effects of early adversity and trauma because they are inherently resilient and 'grow out of' behavioral problems and emotions. However, infants can develop mental health problems as they deal with their goals and emotions.
Helping young children and their parents manage difficulties early in life may prevent the development of disorders.
Links & Resources
The Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH) is focused on promoting healthy social and emotional development of all Wisconsin children from birth to age five. The Alliance's goal is to weave infant mental health practices and principles into the everyday activities of individuals who touch the lives of infants, young children and their families.
ZERO TO THREE, the National Center for Infants, Children and Toddlers. Provides information on behavioral and development; early care and education; downloadable resources; e-newsletter; educational webinars; and more.