Have you ever found yourself at a loss when your little one's emotions run high or noticed behaviours that make you wonder if they're just quirky or if there's something more? In this episode, I journey through the terrain of early childhood development, with a particular lens on autism in children under five. I unearth the complexities of young minds, uncovering what autism might look like in our smallest humans and why understanding behaviour is so critical. This is a conversation about the silent language of tantrums, the hidden messages in play, and the profound influence of nurturing spaces in shaping our children. I also bring my perspective as a child psychiatrist to highlight the importance of individual assessments, the risks of hasty labelling, and the promise of early intervention minus the stigma. Do you have a question or need advice? Connect with Dr. Taghrid . Support organisations in the UK: Samaritans - mental health support and suicide prevention, call 116 123 any time for free or text SHOUT to 85258. Paprus - mental health support and suicide prevention Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967. Childline - support for children and young people and suicide prevention call 0800 1111. NSPCC - support to prevent or stop child abuse call 0808 800 5000. Young Minds - support for young people and parents/carers. Mind - mental health resources and support. Kooth - online support and counselling. MindEd - online educational resources on children, young people, adults and older adults' mental health. There are dedicated sections for parents and carers who are concerned regarding their child’s mental health. MindEd offers tips on parenting, advice and information from trusted experts and parents working together. MindEd is also an e-Learning resource for professionals across health, social care, education and youth justice settings.
