3 - Some Statistics
This session will provide you with statistics that will enable you to see a global picture of the state of children's mental health in Ontario. After viewing the clip, please look at the Notes below, and continue on to the Discussion Question which focuses on "Treatment and Intervention Challenges".
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2. Notes
“Roughly 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario has a diagnosable mental health disorder.”
-From the Ontario Child Health Study.
In this video Dr. DiPasquale provides an idea of the magnitude of mental health problems in Canadian youth, by looking at some relevant statistics:
533,000 children and youth in Ontario have at least one diagnosable mental health disorder.
300,000 or more have at least two diagnosable mental health disorders.
Dr. DiPasquale discusses the high likelihood of mental health disorder co-morbidity in this video. The term ”Co-morbid Disorders” refers to two or more disorders that occur at the same time, but with no evidence that one has caused the other. A ‘Secondary Disorder’, on the other hand, is a second mental health disorder that is caused by an existing disorder.
Children’s Mental Health Ontario has stated that the province has the capacity to serve only one quarter of youth affected by mental health disorders, at a cost of approximately 1.2 billion dollars.
3. Discussion Forum Question: Treatment and Intervention Challenges
In the video, Dr. DiPasquale refers to CMHO’s conclusion that very few young people with mental health problems can be treated by established supports. From your experience, discuss young people that you know who have received intervention. Was it effective? Were there problems? Share your perspective with the class in the Discussion Forum.
Please post your observations, comments, and questions below.
A student who attended the school I work at had one-on-one support since Junior Kindergarten. He came to school at 5 years not talking and in diapers. He would kick, scratch, and throw tantrums. His only means of communication was by grunts and pointing at what he wanted. The administration recognized his high needs and applied for ISA funding which he received and was eventually grandfathered so he would continued to receive full-time support throughout his school life. I worked with him from grade 2 until he graduated from grade 8 last year. He graduated with a 5.6 grade level equivalency and is a proficient artist. He can draw cartoon characters to the finest detail. This student is an excellent example of the benefits and success of early intervention and support.
All too often, either the parents or child will not consent to CMH being involved as they fear they will be judged. Mental health issues have a stigma around them and it is hard to have paretns get on board. Also, unfortunately when we are able to convience parents and students, they are put on a waiting list, waiting up to 6 weeks just for an intake call. 6 weeks is along time for a child to suffer.
I beleive the younger a stuedent is to recieve intevention the better. I have been in situations where there have students who have had help in the early years of education and now have the strategies to cope not only in school but in everyday life. It makes it easier for the parents, educators and the student themselves.
I agree with the comments posted above; early intervention does seem to be the key. I think it is also important to point out that in order for a student to succeed all the 'players' need to be in place, not only including the intervention strategies, which may be case workers, pyschologists, respite workers, etc but also the parents and the school. I have found that the most successful (and long term) intervention is one that combines all these people. I also thought the comment about the waiting time for intervention was significant; students and/or families who go into crisis need intervention immediately. It's not that these issues suddenly appeared, but that they have finally come to a head where the parents feel they can no longer help the child and they seek outside support. When a family is at that point they are very vulnerable and should be supported right away. Too bad we don't seem to have the 1.2 billion dollars it would take to have services like that!