Assessing child psychology

WHEN James was three years old, he was reluctant to participate in games or talk with other children in school. Initially, his parents thought it was due to his overly shy personality.

By the age of five, James’ teachers commented that he hardly maintained eye contact during conversations, frequently did not complete his school tasks and had the tendency to rub his inner thighs whenever he was nervous.

Concerned, his parents consulted their family doctor, who referred them to the International Psychology Centre ( IPC).

A child psychological assessment conducted by a team of child psychologists at IPC revealed that James has autism spectrum disorder, which affects his learning and social behaviour.

The psychologists also carried out some laboratory tests, including testing for the presence of heavy metals. James’ hair test revealed high levels of mercury, which is toxic to brain cells.

A genetic test also revealed that the boy has a mutation in his glutathione production gene. Glutathione production is critical in detoxifying the body of a number of toxic chemicals that have entered our body from food and the environment, including heavy metals.

As James was not able to produce the necessary level of glutathione, the psychologists recommended a diet change containing minimal seafood, which tends to be a high source of mercury especially in fishes such as tuna, red snapper and tilapia.

The diet also emphasised reducing food that causes gut dysbiosis as his gut was not able to eliminate toxins properly. The diet included sugar- free, dairy- free and gluten- free foods. Detoxification supplements such as glutathione and N- acetylcysteine were also recommended.

After ensuring his mercury level had been reduced, the psychologists at IPC carried out behavioural psychotherapy with James.

Through applied behaviour analysis ( ABA), James is now able to learn life skills more easily, process complex tasks, maintain eye contact, and interact like the average five- year- old.

According to Dr Daniel Amen, recipient of the distinguished award of the American Psychiatrist Association, before treating and changing behaviour, we must first treat the brain.

Trained and licensed by him, the psychologists at IPC follow his methods in conducting treatments, which include ensuring patients’ brains are healthy before they treat their behaviour.

This article is contributed by ChildPsych, Centre for Children and Adolescence Psychology of International Psychology Centre’s team of psychologists and psychonutritional therapists.

For more information, call 03- 7982 4424, e- mail ChildPsych@ Psychology. com. my or visit