Childhood Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, Misdiagnosis & Psychotherapeutic Treatment Modalities

Workshop Introduction

Childhood disorders are emotional, mental and behavioural disorders that manifest during infancy, childhood or adolescence. These disorders impact a child’s thinking, emotional abilities, social interactions, and overall behaviour alongside their developmental skills.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety and depression are some of the most common childhood disorders

The Childhood Disorders workshop will equip participants with practical knowledge of how psychological disorders present and develop within the context of childhood.

Explore disorders such as depression, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions, and learn about current trends in diagnosis and progression.

The online workshop provides participants with insight into the causes of childhood disorders through a biopsychosocial model, with specific attention giving to unique challenges and influences in South Africa.

Participants will gain practical knowledge on how to prevent and manage these disorders, considering both individual experiences and wider social environments.

Overview

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop practitioners will:

• Have an understanding of psychopathology within the context of childhood development.
• Have knowledge of the various psychological disorders, and their clinical presentation with specific focus on depressive, anxiety and trauma related disorders in childhood.
• Develop awareness of new trends in diagnosis and illness progression.
• Develop insight as to the aetiology of childhood disorders within a biopsychosocial model, considering unique factors associated with the South African context.
• Develop insights to the prevention and management of childhood disorders from an ecosystemic perspective, with practical consideration at micro- and meso- level intervention.

Certification

This CPD workshop has been designed for educators, social workers and mental health practitioners to recognise and understand childhood psychological disorders. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a digital certificate of completion.

The certificate serves as evidence of your new skills and knowledge and can be used to demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

Attend a live online session, or watch the recording, and complete an online reading and assessment.

HPCSA registered professionals will receive 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] upon successful completion of the workshop.

Dates and Registration

Class of 2026: on demand

Participants can register at any time and move through the workshop content. Watch the live workshop recording and complete the online journal articles and multiple-choice questionnaire.

NOTE: HPCSA registered professionals who want to claim 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] need to complete the online assessment within 5 days after registering.

Workshop Presenter

Dr. Genevieve Da Silva is passionate about children, understanding their uniqueness and encouraging them to reach their full potential. She holds a Doctorate in Psychology of Education from the UNISA, after completing her B.Psych (Educational Psychology) and M. Ed (Guidance and Counselling) degrees.

She consults as a private practitioner and lectures contractually for both SACAP and UWC.  She develops and presents training workshops for parents, educators, mental health practitioners and is actively involved in community work relating to children, families and education.

FAQs

The Team

The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.