What is Early Intervention?

Early intervention is about helping your child early, so they can grow, learn, and thrive with the right support.

Notice and support mental health concerns as early as possible, especially during childhood and adolescence, before problems become more severe or long-lasting.

Action Signs in Developmental Psychology

Action Signs are clear warning signs that a child may have unmet mental health needs. Research shows these signs are often missed, even though they strongly suggest a child could benefit from early support.

Emotional Distress That Lasts

All children experience ups and downs, but when feelings like sadness, worry, or irritability last for weeks at a time, it may signal more than a temporary phase. Ongoing emotional distress can affect sleep, appetite, motivation, and how a child sees themselves. When strong emotions don’t ease with time or support, it’s important to look deeper.

Behavior that Disrupts Norm

All children experience ups and downs, but when feelings like sadness, worry, or irritability last for weeks at a time, it may signal more than a temporary phase. Ongoing emotional distress can affect sleep, appetite, motivation, and how a child sees themselves. When strong emotions don’t ease with time or support, it’s important to look deeper.

Safety Concerns

Any behavior that raises concern about a child’s safety (or the safety of others) should be taken seriously. This includes talk of self-harm, harming others, or engaging in very risky behaviors. These signs indicate a need for immediate professional support, even if the behavior seems occasional or is dismissed as “attention-seeking.”

Sudden or Major Changes

A noticeable change in mood, personality, or functioning can be a warning sign that something is wrong. This may include becoming withdrawn, unusually angry, losing interest in favorite activities, or a sudden drop in school performance. Big changes often mean a child is overwhelmed and unsure how to ask for help.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Below are common symptoms associated with Action Signs. Seeing one or more does not mean something is “wrong,” but it may mean your child needs extra support.

Ongoing sadness or withdrawal

Your child seems unhappy or disconnected for long periods of time.