1. Changing Pattern of Childhood Illness & Disability
Increased chronic health problems (10-14%)
More mental health problems (15-20%)
Greater appreciation of developmental problems – learning, language (12-17%)
36% of children on Medicaid at moderate to high risk for developmental problems
Only 20-30% of at risk children are identified prior to school entrance
Increase in serious emotional and behavioral difficulties in very young children, especially those involving self-regulation and communication.
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 2003
Journal of the American Medical Association, 2000
Clinician-identified psychosocial problems increased from 6.8% to 18.7% for all pediatric visits between 1979 and 1996.
6% of US children are taking psychotropic medications.
300% increase between 1987 and 1996.
300% increase for psychotropic medication for 2 to 4 year olds between 1991 and 1995.
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 2003
Journal of the American Medical Association, 2000