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When a child is struggling, families are often unsure where to turn. Here is how to note changes, seek appropriate assessment and ask about suitability.

When something changes

Parents and carers often sense that something is wrong before they can put it into words. A child may become withdrawn, irritable, anxious about school or unsettled at night. Knowing which service to approach, and how to describe what you have noticed, can feel overwhelming. A practical first step is to write down what you are seeing and ask a local health professional which kind of assessment makes sense.

Keeping notes

Before speaking with a professional, jot down changes you have observed and when they began:

• sleep patterns, appetite or energy;
• school attendance, participation or performance;
• friendships and family relationships;
• behaviour, mood or worries your child has expressed.

Share these notes with your GP, school counsellor or another appropriate local health professional, who can help decide what kind of assessment is needed.

Services must fit the child

Support built around grown-ups may not suit a young person, so it is worth checking rather than assuming. Children and teenagers often need practitioners and approaches specifically suited to their age and developmental stage, and family involvement is usually important.

Talking with Christine

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, holds qualifications in psychotherapy. If you are considering support with Christine at the Lane Cove clinic, ask directly about age suitability, how parents or carers would be involved and whether specialist assessment, such as a child psychologist, paediatrician or child and adolescent mental health service, would be more appropriate. Christine will be honest about whether her service fits your child's needs and can talk through referral options.

Keeping your child at the centre

Whatever path you take, care should be matched to your child's needs and your family's priorities. Discuss what you hope will change, when you will check in on progress together and who to call if things become harder between appointments. If your child is ever at immediate risk, contact emergency services straight away.

Many families find it reassuring to make a GP appointment and a list of questions in the same week, so that worry turns into a clear next step.