ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the major disorders in infancy. It presents the four classification groups— primary, relational, environmental, and medical— addresses the child, the parents, their personalities, and the way in which to treat the child. The classification aims at encouraging reflection in the psychotherapist in relation to possibilities in a distressed young child who has entrenched problems and developmental difficulties. It is of help, therefore, in positioning the "concern" or problem and remaining focused in a skilful way. A diagnosis can be used in another way: as a magnifying-glass to help bring about optimal development in a particular child. Childhood gender-identity disorder entails disturbances in the acceptance of gender between ages 2 and 4 years. A change in gender is not only desired but manifested continually. Under the category of regulatory disorders come babies who find it difficult to regulate experiences because of: a physical sensitivity; and gross or fine motor disorganization.
