Spotting Early Signs of Children’s Mental Health Issues

Lindsey Stevens describes her son, Asher, as a lively and intelligent fifth grader who has shown a deep passion for musical theatre. However, she noticed early signs of distress during his infancy. She recalled that comforting him was challenging, as conventional methods did not seem effective.

As Asher developed into a toddler, his difficulties became increasingly evident. Everyday experiences often overwhelmed him, leading to behaviours such as screaming or covering his face, and he required considerable personal space. Stevens observed that while adults can articulate feelings of anxiety, Asher, who was still acquiring language skills, struggled to express what he felt.

When Asher was three years old, his paediatrician referred him to The Children’s Center Utah. This institution offers mental health services geared towards children from infancy to six years of age. Asher attended a therapeutic preschool multiple times a week to address his anxiety and participated in family therapy to enhance his parents’ understanding of his needs.

Through this early intervention, the family learned to connect with Asher more effectively. He gradually accepted physical affection and improved his language skills, enabling him to communicate his feelings better and providing his parents with cues to observe.

Experts emphasise the importance of early mental health support for young children. Malinda Freitag, senior clinical director at The Children’s Center Utah, notes that mental health significantly influences development, even in infants and toddlers. In Utah, one in five children under the age of eight faces emotional or behavioural challenges, which can manifest in stress, anxiety, or trauma, affecting mood and daily activities.

Stevens highlights that this foundational support has profoundly impacted Asher’s life, as he now copes with transitions more effectively and has greater self-awareness. As part of expanding access to mental health resources, The Children’s Center Utah plans to inaugurate another location in Lehi this July.

How much do you know?

What age group does The Children’s Center Utah provide services for?

Infancy to three years

Infancy to six years

Three years to eight years

Six years to twelve years

What form of therapy did Asher participate in to help his condition?

Group therapy

Art therapy

Family therapy

Occupational therapy

Who is Malinda Freitag?

A paediatrician

A clinical psychologist

Senior clinical director at The Children’s Center Utah

Asher's therapist

What notable struggle did Asher face as a toddler?

Difficulty with physical affection

Expressing his feelings

Making friends

Understanding instructions

What is one in five children in Utah under the age of eight facing?

Physical disabilities

Emotional or behavioural challenges

Learning disabilities

Speech delays

When does The Children’s Center Utah plan to open a new location?

This January

Next July

This July

Next June

Asher is described as a quiet and withdrawn child.

True False

Asher's parents were unable to comfort him during his infancy.

True False

Asher attended a therapeutic preschool multiple times a week.

True False

Experts believe that early mental health support is unimportant for young children.

True False

Asher's language skills improved as he received early intervention.

True False

The Children’s Center Utah serves children older than six years of age.

True False

Asher is a lively and intelligent fifth grader who has shown a deep passion for musical theatre, despite experiencing distress during his .

The Children’s Center Utah provides mental health services for children from to six years of age.

Asher required considerable personal space and often exhibited behaviours such as or covering his face.

Experts state that mental health significantly influences development, even in and toddlers.

Asher has developed greater self-awareness and copes with more effectively.

One in five children under the age of eight in Utah faces emotional or challenges.

This question is required