Psychiatric Care for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Southlake, TX and Surrounding Areas

When a child isn’t developing as expected, it can feel confusing and overwhelming for families. Children grow at their own pace, but when delays in social, emotional, behavioral, or intellectual milestones persist, it may be a sign of a neurodevelopmental disorder. These conditions affect how a child thinks, learns, communicates, and behaves. With the right care, children can overcome many challenges and learn to thrive. In Southlake, TX, Prime Behavioral Health provides compassionate psychiatric care designed specifically for children and teens facing neurodevelopmental conditions.

What Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that begin in childhood and impact a child’s brain development. They often cause challenges with learning, communication, behavior, and emotional regulation. These disorders are not a reflection of a child’s intelligence or character, but they do require a thoughtful and individualized approach to care.

Some of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders include:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Intellectual Disability (ID)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Communication Disorders
Specific Learning Disorders
Motor Disorders (including Tourette syndrome)

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism is a complex condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and processes the world around them. No two children with autism are the same. Some children are highly verbal and need little support, while others may be nonverbal and require full-time care.

Common traits of children with autism may include:

Avoiding eye contact or showing limited facial expressions
Struggling with changes in routine
Repetitive behaviors like rocking, flapping, or lining up toys
Focused interests in specific topics or objects
Difficulty understanding other people’s emotions or social cues
Sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or smells

Autistic children also often have incredible strengths, such as strong memory, attention to detail, or advanced skills in areas like math or music. According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism.

Early Signs of Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual disabilities involve challenges with reasoning, learning, and problem-solving. A child with ID may take longer to learn to speak, walk, or care for themselves. While some children have mild delays, others may require more hands-on support throughout life.

Common signs include:

Delayed speech or motor development
Trouble remembering information
Difficulty solving problems or thinking logically
Behavioral challenges like aggression or withdrawal
Limited ability to perform daily self-care tasks

Some children with intellectual disabilities also show traits of other conditions, such as Fragile X Syndrome or autism.

How Are These Conditions Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a neurodevelopmental disorder requires a full picture of the child’s development, behavior, and functioning. This starts with conversations with parents or caregivers and may include input from teachers or pediatricians.

Diagnosis often involves:

Developmental screenings at well-child visits
Standardized questionnaires and rating scales
Psychological testing (IQ, learning, and memory assessments)
Observations of the child’s behavior and communication
Speech, occupational, or physical therapy evaluations
Genetic testing (when a hereditary condition is suspected)

Early diagnosis is key to getting the right support in place. Some disorders, like autism, can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2, though many children are diagnosed later.

How Psychiatric Care Can Help Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

While neurodevelopmental disorders can’t be “cured,” early and consistent psychiatric care can help children develop important life skills and improve their quality of life. At Prime Behavioral Health, we take a whole-child approach—working closely with families to understand each child’s unique strengths and challenges.

Treatment plans may include:

Medication management to address co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or mood issues.
Talk therapy (individual or family) to help children express feelings, reduce stress, and build coping skills.
Parent training and support, which can teach strategies to manage behavior and strengthen parent-child relationships.
Coordinated care with schools, therapists, and pediatricians to ensure everyone is on the same page.

The Role of TMS Therapy in Neurodevelopmental Conditions

While Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is primarily used for treating depression in teens and adults, research is growing on its potential benefits for older adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions, especially those who also struggle with treatment-resistant depression. TMS is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.

For teens who haven’t found success with medication or therapy alone, TMS may offer hope for improved emotional balance and reduced symptoms. TMS is FDA-approved for depression in individuals aged 15 and up.

Common Challenges Faced by Parents and Families

Raising a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder can bring joy and pride—but it can also be stressful, isolating, and emotionally exhausting. Parents often experience:

Uncertainty about their child’s future
Difficulty navigating the school system and support services
Guilt, sadness, or burnout
Relationship strain

That’s why a big part of psychiatric care involves supporting the entire family. Families benefit from guidance, therapy, and community resources that help reduce stress and build confidence.

What to Expect from Psychiatric Treatment at Prime Behavioral Health

We know that starting mental health treatment can feel intimidating, especially for children. That’s why we work hard to create a warm, welcoming environment where families feel safe and supported.

Our process usually includes:

A thorough intake appointment to understand your child’s history and concerns
Developmental and behavioral assessments
A personalized treatment plan created by a board-certified provider
Regular follow-ups to adjust care as your child grows and their needs change

We also provide telemedicine appointments for added convenience.

When to Seek Help

If your child is struggling with emotional outbursts, social challenges, learning delays, or unusual behaviors, it may be time to speak with a mental health professional. You don’t have to wait until things become overwhelming. The earlier support is provided, the better the outcomes.

Reach out if your child is:

Behind on developmental milestones
Showing signs of emotional distress
Having trouble making friends or communicating
Facing difficulties at school despite extra help
Frequently upset by small changes or daily routines

Getting the right diagnosis and support can open the door to growth, healing, and confidence.

Helping Your Child Thrive

Neurodevelopmental disorders may change the way a child learns and interacts with the world, but they don’t define who they are. With compassionate, expert care, children can develop new skills, build strong relationships, and discover their unique strengths. With a supportive family and a team of mental health professionals, each child has the chance to succeed and lead a fulfilling life.

If you’re in Southlake, TX or the surrounding area and are concerned about your child’s development or behavior, don’t wait, call 817-778-8884. Understanding what your child is going through is the first step to helping them thrive.