Child & Family Associates
Glenn S. Hirsch, M.D., Medical Director
The origins of many psychiatric disorders can be traced back to very early in a child’s life. Left untreated, these early problems can cause severe impairment in a child’s social, educational and family functioning. Accurate diagnosis and early intervention is therefore essential.
The Institute for Prevention Science focuses on prevention and early intervention and seeks to alter the developmental trajectory of a variety of emotional and behavioral problems in young children.
Clinical services provided include comprehensive evaluation, consultation and treatment for children aged 12 months to 7 years.
Problem areas include:
- Anxious behavior
- Worries
- Disruptive behavior
- Hyperactivity, impulsivity
- Pre-school behavioral problems (e.g., sleep, feeding and elimination disorders)
- Oppositional behavior
- Problems with socialization or unusual behavior
- Parent-child relationship / attachment problems
- Aggression and temper tantrums
Evaluation
An evaluation includes a comprehensive review of the child's history of presenting symptoms, past history, current developmental status and functioning, medical history, and history of previous treatments. In addition, relevant information from previous psychiatric, neurological, psychological and educational evaluations is reviewed. Referral for additional diagnostic testing, including neuropsychological evaluation and home or school-based behavioral observations, may be recommended. Upon completion of the evaluation, a feedback session is held to review findings and discuss the diagnosis and treatment recommendations. This evaluation process takes approximately 2-3 hours.
To schedule an evaluation, please call (212) 263-8916.
Treatment
Treatment is conducted by members of a multi-disciplinary specialty team, including a child and adolescent psychiatrist, neuropsychologists and child psychologists. Treatment primarily comprises psychosocial interventions, such as behavioral therapy, individual therapy, or family therapy.
Although the decision to use medication in very young children is never taken lightly, faculty in the Early Childhood Service have special expertise in the pediatric psychopharmacology of Anxiety and Mood Disorders, ADHD and Autistic Disorders.
Some children may also benefit from our coordination of services within the school community, or outreach and advocacy.
Outreach
Our faculty is available to give talks on early childhood psychiatric disorders, common behavioral problems in this age group, as well as many other mental health and parenting topics. These presentations can be tailored to mental health professionals, pediatricians, parents or school professionals. Please email csc-speakers@aboutourkids.org for more information or to schedule a speaker.
For complete information regarding the Early Childhood Service at the NYU Child Study Center, download the complete brochure from the right side of this page
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our intake coordinator at (212) 263-8916 or e-mail us at services@aboutourkids.org.
