More than 10 million children and adolescents in the United States suffer from a diagnosable psychiatric illness, and nearly 70% never receive treatment. These disorders rob children of the ability to learn, make and keep friends and enjoy life. The NYU Child Study Center has announced the launch of a children's mental health public education campaign so kids with Tourette's and other mental health disorders don't have to feel ashamed any more.
With this campaign the Child Study Center hopes to raise awareness of these disorders and provide information on how parents can get help for their children. The campaign, which consists of five color ads, was designed pro bono by BBDO New York. Display space on telephone kiosks around New York City was donated by Van Wagner Communications. The ads will also appear in The New York Observer, New York Magazine and Education Update.
"We are extremely grateful for the generosity of BBDO New York and Van Wagner Communications," said Harold S. Koplewicz, M.D., director of the NYU Child Study Center. "Their contributions have allowed us to create a campaign that will help parents, educators and the general public recognize the signs that their children may be suffering from a mental health disorder."
Each of the five ads focuses on a different disorder including: Anxiety, Tourette's Disorder, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Learning Disorders.
One of the first ads to appear will highlight Tic and Tourette's Disorder with the headline "Sometimes the hardest part about being a kid, is being a kid." The ad provides additional information on the disorder, "Being a child is not easy if you are one of the 20% of school-age children affected by Tic disorders. Children with Tourette's, a chronic tic disorder, often also have problems with attention or anxiety. Tics and Tourette's are very treatable, but if ignored can have a negative impact on a child's self-esteem and development. Most Tic disorders begin around age 6, but can start as early as age 3. Early intervention is crucial."
The campaign also directs the public to AboutOurKids.org, the NYU Child Study Center's web site, where scientifically sound information on mental health and parenting can be accessed including: The Parent Letter, over 300 parent-friendly articles, and a comprehensive A-Z Disorder Guide.
"This advertising was designed to help create awareness of the NYU Child Study Center and to let people know that there is a place in New York City for families and children to get help with these issues," said Scott Higgins, BBDO New York Art Director on the project, "We are proud to have been a part of this effort."
NYU Child Study Center
The NYU Child Study Center is dedicated to the understanding, prevention and treatment of child and adolescent mental health problems. The Center offers expert psychiatric services for children and families with emphasis on early diagnosis and intervention. The Center's mission is to bridge the gap between science and practice, integrating the finest research with patient care and state-of-the-art training, utilizing the resources of the New York University School of Medicine. The NYU Child Study Center offers a variety of mental health services for children, adolescents, young adults and their families. Child and Family Associates is the clinical arm of the NYU Child Study Center and the point of entry for all clinical programs. Our goal is to bring together the most research-supported evaluations and treatments with an individualized and family centered approach.
For additional information, contact the NYU Child Study Center at (212) 263-6622 or visit www.AboutOurKids.org.