The first year of life is a period of rapid development critical to infants» health, emotional well - being and developmental trajectories.1, 2 The first signs of mental health problems are often exhibited during infancy; however, the symptoms may be overlooked by parents and healthcare providers because they can be less intrusive when a child is young.3 — 8 Early onset of emotional or behavioural problems increases the risk of numerous adverse outcomes that
persist into adolescence and adulthood,
such as delinquency, violence, substance
abuse, mental health problems, teen pregnancies, school dropout and long - term unemployment.1, 2, 4, 9 — 14