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IMH refers to the
quality of social and emotional development in the first few years of
life. Research has shown that most physical brain development
occurs by the age of three. This provides a window of opportunity
for children who are especially at risk due to social stress caused by
problems such as poverty, poor home environments, or negative
parent-child relationships. |
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Ensuring good
cognitive ability is enough to foster academic success in the later years.
One of the most
important determinants of success in adolescence and adulthood is an
individual's level of emotional competence. Children who did not
receive responsive, positive care in the first few years of life had poor
emotional development. These children consequently have more difficulty
forming relationships, have lower levels of school achievement, and are more
likely to require special education and exhibit more behavioral problems.
We should address
problems, such as substance abuse or violent behavior, when adolescents exhibit
them.
Early life experiences often form the foundation of long-term physical,
emotional, mental and cognitive development. If these experiences are
negative, they can lead to serious social troubles in adolescence. A focus
on the mental health of young children and the environmental and biological
factors that affect these children can prevent or reduce many of the problems
seen in troubled adolescents and teens.
Biological and physical characteristics are more important predictors of success
in adolescence and adulthood than other factors. Nature is more important
than nurture.
A child's success in later life is a function of the interplay of biology and
society. Social environment and the relationships children develop with
people around them early in their lives are equally important. This is why
early intervention services must address both physical and social needs to
foster cognitive, mental, and emotional development.
Only children benefit from intervention services.
Not only do children benefit from early intervention and show positive
educational and social outcomes with program participation, but parents can also
benefit. Research has shown that comprehensive services that focus on the
family mental health can improve parental employment status and education level.
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FACT:
