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Tantrums are often considered the result of poor discipline. But for some kids, a tantrum might actually be an indication of a larger developmental disorder. Babble's Jennifer Jeanne Patterson interviewed Matthew Cruger, PhD, a neuropsychologist at CMI, to learn about the difference.  Dr. Cruger notes:

"Parents need to ask, 'Is their child misbehaving because their child is a child, with limited experience understanding why their parents are setting developmentally appropriate rules? Is their child simply trying to get his or her way?' Or is their child experiencing some kind of anxiety because they are pushed to do something they would prefer to avoid? These can be typical reasons why a tantrum occurs."

In this article Dr. Cruger describes several tantrum scenarios, and explains what qualifies as manipulative behavior and what should be considered a red flag for atypical development.

The Daily Beast is reporting on the new national survey commissioned by the Child Mind Institute to investigate parents' awareness and concerns about the mental health of their children. Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz told the website "The big message here is that it's [psychiatric and mood disorders] very common and it's very real, and it affects the child's ability to be successful."

Read about the National Children's Mental Health Report Card, and read more from Dr. Koplewicz's conversation with The Daily Beast.

In his new column for the Huffington Post, Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz writes about the Young Men's Initiative, an ambitious project that hopes to address the disparities between young black and Latino men and their peers. Dr. Koplewicz applauds the effort, but also notes that the biggest social and economic change would be gained from intervening earlier in the lives of these boys. "When we consider the dire problems of undereducated and unemployed young men in our city, we should think about the next generation as well, and how we can help them now, before they find themselves in this predicament," Dr. Koplewicz writes. 

The Chicago Tribune interviewed CMI forensic psychiatrist Dr. Alan Ravitz for his experience evaluating children accused of parricide. Dr. Ravitz notes that numerous issues factor into an assessment, including a history of mental illness, family violence, substance abuse, and a child's relationship with parents and peers. "You'd want to know, Did he reach out to others? Does he have a capacity for empathy ... or is he willing to do whatever it takes to meet his own needs?" says Dr. Ravitz.

The nation mourns the passing of Steve Jobs, one of the greatest innovators of our time. But for the kids who grew up using Apple products, Jobs's death takes on special meaning. In an interview with the New York Post, Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz discusses how young people are being uniquely affected. "Steve Jobs was such an incredible force," Dr. Koplewicz notes. "He was the creator of the devices that all young people use and that they associate with coming of age, in grade school or as teenagers."

Read Dr. Koplewicz's thoughts on how—and why—to talk to kids about Steve Jobs.  

New York Times parenting blog Motherlode is featuring our account of the special Broadway performance of The Lion King for children with autism spectrum disorder. CMI staff writer Beth Arky interviewed one mom who attended the performance with her 8-year-old son who has been diagnosed with PPD-NOS (pervasive developmental delays, not otherwise specified). Watching the show was an emotional roller coaster, but one that the whole family looks forward to repeating again. Read the poignant, uplifting story here.

Did you attend the performance too?  Tell us your story in the comments.

Today is the birthday of Parents magazine, and their birthday wish is to end the stigma surrounding mental health. Hear, hear! To help spread awareness, Parents is highlighting our Mental Health Guide, where readers can learn about the 25 most common psychiatric and learning disorders affecting kids. Thanks to Parents for reminding us that ending stigma starts with educating ourselves.

Want to learn more? We also have a series dispelling the myths about psychiatric disorders, from ADHD to to Tourette's.

The TV Guide blog Cheers & Jeers cited our recent story on Glee's new "self-diagnosed Asperger's" character Sugar Motta in a post yesterday. It sounds like blogger Bruce Fretts agrees that the show might have gone too far, earning them a "jeer."  Fretts notes, "For a show that goes to sickeningly saccharine lengths to preach tolerance [...], you've hit a wrong note."

Read our story on the debate, Is Glee Making Fun of Asperger's?

In his latest column for the Huffington Post, Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz makes a case for the importance of psychoactive medication. The topic is a serious one, and Dr. Koplewicz addresses both Marcia Angell's suspicion of medication and Peter Kramer's defense of it with care and deliberation.

To read more, check out our Psychopharmacology Hot Topic.

Some YouTube users are posting graphic videos glamorizing cutting and other forms of self-injury. NY Metro Parents is featuring an article by Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz that looks at why our children do this, signs to look for, and how to help.

For more from Dr. Koplewicz, watch Is It Depression or Just Teen Angst?