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Applied Psychology

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

Understand childhood psychological disorders and learn effective approaches for management and treatment.

R460.00

Duration

3 hours

Start Date

1 January 2026

End Date

31 December 2026

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

Back to Basics: Psychopathology within the context of childhood development

Classifying abnormal behaviour & psychopathology
Overview of development
Abnormalities within development and behaviour in childhood

Symptom Sorter: Clinical presentation of childhood psychological disorders

DSM-V classification
Transdiagnostic approach

Puzzling Problems: Integrated reframing of aetiology

Bio-Psycho-Social Factors
RSA context
Risk factors & Illness Trajectory

Managing the Mahem: Prevention and management of childhood disorders

Clinical staging and interventions
Ecosystemic perspective
Practical tools and intervention strategies
Prevention for a lifetime

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.

Learner Experience

Timeera Shannon Francis

''I really enjoyed the Childhood Disorders workshop. The learning material was interesting, easy to grasp and enjoyable.''

Vinette Wentzel

"I found the workshop very informative and would recommend it! I'd love to explore more psychology-related topics."

Ashley Mullin

"Participating in the Childhood Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, Misdiagnosis & Psychotherapeutic Treatment Modalities workshop was a truly insightful and enriching experience."

Melissa Paul

"The workshop was absolutely amazing! The content is well-presented and structured. I have learnt a lot and look forward to registering for more courses."

Michelle Scott

"Every time I participate in a short training for self-enrichment, I'm amazed by the fresh insights I gain and how practical the knowledge is for both understanding and applying in real life. The Childhood Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, Misdiagnosis & Psychotherapeutic Treatment Modalities CPD Workshop was especially valuable in expanding my perspective and skills."

Charlene Briel

''The Childhood Disorders workshop was excellent! I really enjoyed it. "

Mamoraka Maria Mathabathe

"I'm so impressed with SACAP Global! The online workshop gave me an introduction to childhood disorders, and I had enough time to complete the questionnaire."

Nontando Zulu

"The CPD workshop on Childhood Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, Misdiagnosis & Psychotherapeutic Treatment Modalities was incredibly insightful. It deepened my understanding of childhood disorders and how they can be effectively treated. I highly recommend it to anyone working with—or planning to work with children."

Xoliswa Nxam

“The Childhood Disorders workshop was incredibly insightful. It deepened my understanding of childhood disorders and has given me practical knowledge I can apply in my work and share with others.”

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.

Course highlights

Understand childhood disorders prevalent in South Africa.
Gain insight into childhood psychopathology, its causes and unique factors involved in the South African context.
Explore the prevention and management of childhood disorders.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements?

Anyone 18 years of age or older can sign up for this online workshop. There are no academic entry requirements or conditions.

Who is this workshop for?

This online workshop is for anyone interested in understanding childhood disorders, specifically those working with children, such as educators, social workers and mental health practitioners.

What is the time commitment?

A total of 4 hours is required to complete the workshop.

What do you need to do the workshop?

Access to Microsoft Word
Google Chrome (recommended)
Stable internet connection

Is the workshop assessed?

Learners are required to complete an assessment comprising of reading a journal article and answering a 15-question multiple choice questionnaire.

Is the workshop accredited?

The online workshop is accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

What is a childhood disorder?

A childhood disorder refers to a range of psychological or behavioral symptoms that develop in early life or during the teenage years. Such disorders could have an impact on a child’s cognitive, social, linguistic, as well as emotional development.

What can you do after completing this workshop?

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

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.