As a Behaviour Analyst I would highly advocate for early intervention, particularly for children with autism. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

However, the more I learn about all children's mental health issues the more I realize that early intervention is the key for all mental health, and not just for Autism. Unfortunately, families who have children with mental health issues often don't seek help right away because of the stigma attached to mental health issues. In fact, they don't often admit the issues even to themselves due to the stigma attached to mental health. Yet, like with autism early intervention can be critical.

Wouldn't it be nice to advocate removing the stigma that goes hand in hand with mental health issues and making it a part of everyday conversation? I was recently involved in a group at Kinark looking at advocacy issues such as these, and this group suggested that perhaps the first step is to look inward within the health system itself. hat if we began a 'wellness conversation' by having our yearly physicals include a thorough mental health screening as well?

If this type of wellness screening were to take place every year from birth to grave would mental health start to become apart of everyday conversation? Would this also then lead to earlier intervention?

Don't wait for a crisis to happen, advocate now for wellness!