Where do I go to get assistance for my schizophrenic child?

Q. My son is 14 and needs to be tested for a mental-health problem. The guidance counsellor says he is schizophrenic and he cannot return to school without the test report. Where do I go?

A. You need to contact the school and ask them to refer you to a psychologist who will be able to test your son. Remember, no one can diagnose your child until he has been tested. If you are not able to get in touch with the psychologist, please call us at 382-7034.

I need help for my son

Q. I am trying to get my son into a programme for children with learning disabilities. Who can best help me?

A. You need to contact the Jamaica Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. They are located in Kingston, but they will guide you to agencies islandwide that will be able to help you.

No interest in school

Q. I have a 16-year-old daughter who is refusing to return to school in September. She says the work is too hard. She passed for a former secondary school, but, with contacts, she got into a prestigious school. She says she feels like a dunce and the teachers are going fast. If I get her tutoring, will that help?

A. Your daughter may benefit from tutoring, but you need to get her assessed to determine if she has any challenges that will cause her to be constantly behind in her classes. A test done by a psychologist will help to determine her weak area(s), and you will be given guidance regarding how she can be helped.

Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behaviour problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston. Responses to concerns are to be considered as general, as cases shared with psychologists privately would be queried more deeply. Pray always!