ABSTRACT
Middle childhood' refers to the stage of growth and development between the ages of five and 12 years, or until the onset of adolescence. This chapter describes the vast range of developmental changes that occur during this period and how to engage, assess and work with these children and their families. During this stage, children continue to grow and develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. Knowledge of the usual sequence and timing of a child's emerging abilities is helpful in understanding the child's difficulties. It is better to think about how the child is doing in the three main areas of development: biological, cognitive, and psychosocial. Children are increasingly influenced by various media, ranging from magazines and television advertisements to pornographic images accessible via the Internet or via mobile phones. Children are often brought to a mental health professional with emotional or behavioural symptoms that are a consequence of an illness or chronic disorder.
