One of the most common questions families bring to providers: "Is this normal, or should I be worried?"

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In a Q&A session following a recent Speaker Series, Dr. Dave Anderson, Senior Psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, recommends a simple framework to guide that conversation: Frequency, Intensity, Duration, and Impairment (FIDI).

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When concerns like anxiety, mood changes, or behavior come up, help parents ask:

• Frequency - How often is this happening?
• Intensity - How strong or extreme are the reactions? 
• Duration - How long does it last
• Impairment - Is it getting in the way of school, relationships, or routines?

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This shifts the conversation from "Is this normal?" to "Is this impacting my child's life?"

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Dr. Anderson also notes that families don't need to wait for symptoms to reach a clinical threshold. If concerns are showing up across these areas, it's always appropriate to explore support.

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If you loved the recording and want more answers like this, watch the bonus Q&A HERE! And, watch all of our past Speaker Series sessions on YouTube!