Introduction

A happy and healthy childhood is very important for the future of children (Figure 17.1). Children who have problems in early life often continue to have problems in adulthood. By preventing or treating childhood problems, we can help to establish a mentally healthy population. Children need to be given the opportunity to grow intellectually, emotionally, and behaviourally as well as physically. Most childhood problems arise when development in these areas is slow or abnormal. In this session you will learn about the most common and most important problems in the intellectual, emotional and behavioural development of a child. You will also learn what to do when you suspect a child may have these problems.