Episode 72 | Understanding Mental Health Assessments for Children & Youth

Getting the right support for a child starts with understanding what’s causing their symptoms and difficulties.

In our latest episode, Janet speaks with child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Faisal Ahmed, author of The Heart of the Matter: Navigating Children’s Mental Health with Clarity and Compassion, about the importance of looking at the whole child, including their development, family history, relationships and experiences.

They explore how trauma can be mistaken for ADHD and other diagnoses, how developmental conditions and learning difficulties can overlap, and why treating symptoms alone can leave important needs unaddressed.

The conversation also considers how understanding children’s developmental stages can help parents set appropriate expectations, ask informed questions and advocate for support that reflects their child’s unique strengths and challenges.

Learn more about Dr. Faisal Ahmed and his book here.