PRACTICE PARAMETERS FOR THE PSYCHIATRIC-ASSESSMENT OF INFANTS AND TODDLERS (0-36 MONTHS)

These practice parameters describe the psychiatric assessment of infan ts and toddlers (0-36 months) and support the growth of infant and tod dler psychiatry, a rapidly developing field. Infants and toddlers are brought to clinical attention because of concerns about emotional, beh avioral, relational, or developmental difficulties. it is axiomatic th at the infant or toddler must be understood, evaluated, and treated wi thin the context of the family. A perspective that is developmental, r elational, and multidimensional and that borrows from the knowledge of multiple disciplines is essential. Collaborative efforts support the urgent need and incomparable opportunity to understand and to interven e early and preventively with young children and their families.