Prenatal/ Perinatal -Early Infant Mental Health

When four-year-old David started preschool, he spent much of his day alone. He rarely spoke, transitions were hard, and when he became overwhelmed, his behavior could escalate quickly. His family and teachers wanted to help, but they weren’t sure what he needed.

Through ongoing Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation sessions, David’s family, teachers, and developmental specialists worked together to understand what his behavior was communicating and build strategies that could be used consistently at school and at home.

The consultation team introduced visual supports, transition strategies, and co-regulation techniques. They also leaned into what David already loved—music and trains—to help him connect, communicate, and participate with other children.

By mid-year, the change was clear.

“Now he plays alongside other children, uses more language, and even asks peers for help. Kids aren’t scared of him anymore, and we’ve learned how to support his interests like music and trains to help him connect and stay engaged.”

For David: He is participating, communicating, and building relationships with his peers.

For his family: Consultation helped connect them to a developmental evaluation and the answers and services they had been searching for.

For his teachers: Repeated consultation sessions gave them practical tools, coaching, and greater confidence in how to respond to David’s needs.

For the preschool: The learning extended beyond one child. Teachers became better able to recognize behavior as communication and support the needs of the entire classroom.

The biggest impact of consultation wasn’t simply changing David’s behavior. It was helping the adults around him understand him—and giving them the tools to help him belong, learn, and thrive.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for all your support. I really appreciate everything you have done.”