Behavior Disorder in Children
Behavioral disorders in children have been on the rise over the last few years. This is a worrying trend because it affects the learning and socialisation of children, which are key milestones in their development. According to a recent report by UNICEF, behavior disorders like anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affect one in every five school-aged children around the world.
Children with emotional or behavioral problems can find it difficult to fit in at school, at home, and with their peers. Here are some important facts that will help you spot the signs of behavioral disorders early on.
What is a behavior disorder in children?
Behavior disorders are those conditions in which a child’s behavior is different from what would be expected. Behavior disorders are abnormal patterns of behavior that impact a child’s ability to function in daily life.
There are two types of behavioral disorders:
- Developmental disorders
- Behavioral Disorders
People with cognitive/intellectual disabilities behavior disorders in children are also called “conductive” (or “organic”) learning disabilities. The cause is typically organic brain damage or dysfunction, which can be caused by environmental abuse, certain medications, and infections, among a host of other factors like heart problems and nutrition deficiencies. Children with behavioral disorders experience challenging behaviors that are difficult to control even if they do not affect their developmental stages, as these developmental delays will slow the child’s development process.
Behavioral disorders are not uncommon and often lead to anxiety and depression that can result in suicidal thoughts or behavior if left unaddressed, resulting in “mental illness” under a variety of labels (such as: anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, etc.).
Symptoms of behavior disorder in children
- Belligerence: This is when a child’s temper gets out of control and they become aggressive, angry, or oppositional with adults and other children.
- Disruptive behavior: This is when a child will act in ways that are distracting for the adult or are destructive to property. They may also engage in self-injurious behaviors such as head banging, hitting themselves, biting their hands or feet, scratching themselves, etc.
- Hyperactivity: This is when a child’s movements seem very fast paced or have a pattern that doesn’t match the rest of their body movement patterns.
- Inappropriate affect: A child who has an inappropriate affect often has poor social skills because they don’t know how to appropriately communicate with others using facial expressions and body language (i.e., they’re always happy).
What are examples of behavioral disorder in children?
Behavioral disorders in children are a group of conditions that include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and anxiety.
Some behavioral disorders in children may be the result of genetics or other factors such as exposure to trauma or abuse.
The following are some common examples of behavioral disorders in children:
- Antisocial personality disorder – This type of behavior disorder includes features such as lack of empathy for others’ feelings, disregard for social norms and consequences for their actions, and persistent antisocial behaviors that begin before age 15 years old.
- Oppositional defiant disorder: When a child has a pattern of behavior characterised by arguing with adults, being angry and resentful towards them, and refusing to comply with their requests or rules without good reason while lacking remorse for their actions.
- Conduct disorder: Conduct disorder is when a child repeatedly demonstrates antisocial behaviors including stealing, lying, truancy from school, physical fights with peers, vandalism/property destruction and serious aggression against people or animals over time which does not stop despite the efforts of parents or teachers to control it.
How can I tell if my child has a behavior disorder?
It is very difficult to tell if your child has a behavior disorder. There are many ways in which you can approach this, but one of the most reliable methods is through behavioral observations.
Behavioral observations will give you insight into what your child’s temperament and tendencies are like when they are being unruly or aggressive. You should be able to see if there is a pattern to their behaviors as well as how often they happen and what types of behaviors they exhibit.
If you notice a pattern, then it may be best for you to contact an expert who can help determine the cause and provide the appropriate treatment options.
If you notice that your child is acting out in school, socialising less with friends, or not performing well academically, it may be due to a behavioral disorder.
How to treat behavioral disorders at home?
To treat behavioral disorders at home, you need to look for the underlying cause of the disorder. The best way to do this is by finding out what triggers the behavior and then avoiding them in order to help improve your child’s condition.
The main treatment for behavioral disorders is to provide a structured environment and the individual with a set of rules that they are expected to follow. This can be done by using positive reinforcement, such as rewards for good behavior, or through consequences for poor behavior.
An example of positive reinforcement would be giving the individual an allotted time in which they have access to some activities, such as going outside or playing with toys. For children who have difficulty staying still and focusing on their activities, this may also include being able to watch television or play video games.
For children who struggle with impulsivity and hyperactivity, parents should limit the amount of TV watching and/or video game playing during these periods. Parents should also teach them how to identify when they are feeling too excited about something and remind them that it is important not to act on their impulses until they’ve had time to think about what might happen if they do so.
Some behavioral disorders can be treated at home by changing your routine and lifestyle. This could include things like:
- Eat more protein-rich foods such as fish, eggs, meat, poultry, or nuts.
- Exercise regularly to increase the level of endorphins in your body.
- Get a pet that will provide you with exercise and mental stimulation.
What to do if the behavior disorder in children persists?
Some of the treatment options for these behavior disorders are:
- Behavior therapy: involves teaching a child skills to help manage their behaviors.
- Medication: may be prescribed if behavior therapy is not effective or there is no other option.
- Counseling: can be done in person or over the phone with a mental health professional who specializes in treating these types of disorders.
Behavior disorders in children are an increasing concern for parents. If you think your child might have a behavior disorder, it’s important to seek help immediately. Children who suffer from this condition may behave in socially unacceptable ways, such as being disobedient or aggressive. The best way to treat a behavior disorder at home is through the application of positive reinforcement and systematic desensitization.
