Department of Toddler Psychiatry

We serve pre-school children.

Problems that warrant referral to us are connected with the development or behaviour of the child – for example the child has not begun to talk, cries a lot, sleeps restlessly, is aggressive, eats little and selectively or it is suspected that they are autistic or hyperactive. If the child attends a children’s facility, we kindly ask you to bring a description of the behaviour of the child from their kindergarten teacher.

Introduction video is HERE.

The investigation of the toddler involves three parts:

• Clinical interview with the parents or guardian, where we focus on the details of the child's early development. We talk about the events in the life of the child and the family which could have affected the status of the child.
• Evaluation of the child's level of development, potential for development and symptoms. We use clinical observation, test kits and structured interviews for this purpose. Test exercises allow the assessment of the different facets of the child’s development: cognitive development, speech and motor skill development. Structured interviews and questionnaires are of help in the assessment of the child’s socio-emotional development diagnostic work. We often include other specialists for comprehensive assessment of the status of the child: speech therapists, gastroenterologists, neurologists and others.
• Assessment of the relationship between the parent and child. The relationships between children and parents are explored and described because the experience that the child gains from initial affectionate relationships affects their entire life. Investigation of the relationship can assist, where necessary, in finding a suitable psychotherapeutic approach to help the parent and child to set the tone of their relationship with each other and achieve greater consistency.

Before and after the investigations...

• ...the families stay in the common play room with nurses who guide and support the children's game and the common activities of the child and the parent. The child can rest in the bedroom during naptime; we also offer lunch for children.
• If, as a result of the investigation, we come to the conclusion that the child has a developmental disorder (for example speech delay, autism-like communication deficiency or mental development that is slower than age-appropriate), we draw up a further action plan – the necessary rehabilitation services for the development of the child and their special needs for childhood primary education.
• If it turns out that the child’s troubles are particularly related to accumulated tension from family relationships, we offer the option of continuing with psychoanalytical family therapy with the same psychiatrist or psychologist.