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

This summary describes the psychiatric assessment of infants and toddl ers (0-36 months) and supports the growth of infant and toddler psychi atry, a rapidly developing field. Infants and toddlers are brought to clinical attention because of concerns about emotional, behavioral, re lational, or developmental difficulties. It is axiomatic that the infa nt or toddler must be understood, evaluated, and treated within the co ntext of the family. A perspective that is developmental, relational, and multidimensional and that borrows from the knowledge of multiple d isciplines is essential. Collaborative efforts support the urgent need and incomparable opportunity to understand and to intervene early and preventively with young children and their families.