Families will receive new forms of help for children’s neuropsychiatric symptoms and behaviour disorders

30.11.2021 12.32

A child displaying neuropsychiatric symptoms may affect the whole family extensively. Next year, families in Western Uusimaa will receive support from 50 neuropsychiatric coaches, who will help them manage everyday routines. In Lohja, a contact person model to support families will also be tested.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms refer to restlessness and symptoms of ADHD and ADD, for example, which may also be connected to mental health problems. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are colloquially referred to as ‘nepsy,’ ‘neurodivergence,’ or ‘ND.’  

“These are permanent special characteristics. It is often said that all people are at some point along the line when it comes to these characteristics. These special characteristics may make life difficult, but there are many ways of coping with them,” says Project Manager Petri Luomaa

Sometimes, a child may also have behaviour disorders and mental health challenges in addition to neuropsychiatric symptoms, which make the situation more difficult for the child or young person or their family. Some families may also have other challenges in their lives, such as substance abuse or domestic violence, which always affect the child. 

A neuropsychiatric coach can help with your family’s routines  

Next year, 50 professionals in social services and healthcare, early childhood education, schools and youth services will train to become neuropsychiatric coaches. If your child is experiencing neurological problems, these coaches can help you manage everyday routines and decrease your mental stress.  

It is important that the people around the child understand which symptoms the child has, what causes them, and how you can work with them. For example, an adult at pre-primary school may think that the child is only fussing about and not doing what they are told, even though the child would just need different support to be able to work in a group. 

“A child’s neuropsychiatric symptoms may affect the whole family extensively, as well as the child’s own life, such as their relationships and schoolwork – and thus, their future. This is why receiving the right kind of help and support is essential,” says Project Manager Hanna Leinonen.  

A contact person model to support families will be tested in Lohja  

Clearer care paths will also be offered between the municipal services and specialised healthcare. Lohja will start a pilot project in early 2022 where the staff of the family centre, social services and child welfare will work closely together to help families. 

“It is evident that we need seamless cooperation between various professionals and the family in question. A personal contact person will be appointed to each child or young person who needs special support and who is participating in the pilot, and they will receive a sufficient group of professionals to support them,” says Jaana Tuomi-Karén, senior family counsellor in Lohja. 

  • Wellbeing Services County