Raising or caring for a child with a behavioral disorder is often quite complicated, especially if you are not well informed. In cases like this, the more knowledge, the better the tools, which is why we have created this complete guide that offers a vision of what a childhood behavioral disorder is, what types there are, when they start, how to identify them, what the possible treatments are. and much more.

What is a conduct disorder?

A conduct disorder, formerly known as conduct disorder, is a mental health problem characterized by an ongoing pattern of antisocial, aggressive, and defiant behaviors in children and adolescents. These behaviors techniques modification in children go against age-appropriate social norms and expectations.

What causes behavioral disorders in children?

The causes of these behavioral disorders are complex and there is no single answer. They are believed to be the result of an interaction between different factors, including:

Genetic factors

Children with family members who have a conduct pervasive developmental disorder are at higher risk of developing it.

Neurobiological factors

Differences have been observed in the brains of children with these disorders, especially in areas related to impulse control, decision making, and emotional regulation.

Family factors

Children who live in homes with violence, child abuse or neglect are more likely to develop a conduct disorder. Lack of positive parenting, inconsistency in rules and discipline, and lack of emotional support can also increase risk.

Social factors

Poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and exposure to community violence can also increase risk. These factors create a stressful and chaotic environment that makes it difficult for children to learn and develop healthy social and emotional skills.

Types of behavioral disorders in children

Conduct disorders cause significant problems in a child's life, including difficulties in school, relationships, and social functioning, since they are not a single problem and there are different types:

Oppositional defiant disorder or ODD

Oppositional defiant disorder in children is characterized by a pattern of hostile, angry, and defiant behavior that persists for at least six months. Children with ODD often argue with adults, refuse to comply with requests or rules, and become angry or upset very quickly.

Conduct disorder or CD

CD is the most severe type of CD and is characterized by a pattern of aggressive and antisocial behavior that persists for at least 12 months. Children with CD often fight or be cruel to others, destroy property, lie, cheat, or steal. They may also violate serious rules, such as running away from home for a night or several days.

Intermittent explosive disorder or IED

IED is characterized by sudden, severe episodes of aggression that are out of proportion to the provocation or stress. Children with IED tend to lose their temper easily, yell, throw objects, or even physically attack others. These episodes are usually followed by a quick feeling of remorse or shame.

Antisocial personality disorder or ASP

ASP is not diagnosed in children, but is considered the adult form of TC. It is characterized by a pattern of deceptive, manipulative, and risky behavior that persists for at least 18 years. People with ASP often disregard the feelings of others and may act impulsively and without regard for consequences.

When does a behavioral disorder start?

A conduct disorder in children usually begins during late childhood or early adolescence. It is rarely diagnosed after the age of 16.

We want to clarify that not all children who show problematic behaviors have a CD. Some children experience problematic behaviors temporarily due to factors such as stress or changes in their life.

How to identify a child with behavioral problems? Symptoms

Children with behavioral problems can present with a wide variety of symptoms, so it is important to observe whether these behaviors are persistent, severe, and interfere with their daily functioning. We leave you a list of these possible symptoms:

• Fights with other children or classmates.
• Cruelty to animals or people.
• Threats or use of violence.
• Intimidation or harassment of others.
• Destruction of other people's property.
• Constant arguments with adults or authority figures.
• Refusal to comply with rules or requests.
• Hostile attitude of anger or resentment.
• Spiteful or vindictive behavior.
• Lying or making up stories.
• Cheating or stealing.
• Skipping school or running away from home.
• Impulsivity and lack of impulse control.
• Difficulty managing frustration and anger.
• Poor or conflictive social relationships.
• Low self-esteem in children or negative self-image.

Treatment for childhood behavioral disorders

There is no single, universal treatment for a childhood behavioral disorder. The reason? Each child is different, in terms of character, as well as the family and social environment, resources, etc. When a professional sets out to put together a treatment plan, they must keep all that in mind and adapt it so that it is truly effective. In general terms, childhood behavioral disorders are addressed with the following tools:

Individual therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on helping children identify and change their negative thoughts. Children with CD often have distorted or irrational thoughts about themselves, others, and the world. CBT helps them recognize these thoughts and develop healthier thinking patterns. It teaches them to develop skills to control their emotions and improve their social skills. Children with a conduct disorder often have difficulty interacting with others in a positive way. CBT teaches them skills to make friends, communicate effectively, and solve problems effectively.

Family therapy

Family therapy is helpful in addressing family issues that may be contributing to the child's CD. Poor communication and family conflicts worsen the symptoms of a behavioral disorder, so going to therapy as a family in these cases is necessary. Another key point that is worked on in family therapy is the issue of limits, which are vital to be able to advance in the treatment of a childhood behavioral disorder. Family therapy helps parents develop effective parenting strategies and apply them consistently.

Medicines

In some cases, it is necessary to prescribe medications to help control symptoms such as aggression, impulsivity or hyperactivity. Medications commonly used to treat TC include relaxants, anxiolytics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.

Intervention at school

School professionals should work with the child, parents, and teachers to develop a behavioral intervention plan in this area. This plan could include:

• Environmental modifications such as changing the child's seating location in the classroom, providing a quiet space to work, or reducing class size.
• Ensure positive reinforcement with praise, attention or other rewards.
• Establish negative consequences for the child's problematic behaviors, always appropriate for their age and applied consistently.

What to do with a child with behavioral problems? Tips

Helping a child with behavioral problems is challenging, but with patience, understanding and effective strategies, it is possible to support them to develop positive skills and improve their behavior. Our tips for this are:

Stay calm and patient

It is important to remember that children with behavior problems are not trying to be bad on purpose. They often act out because they don't know how to express their emotions or handle their frustrations in a healthy way. It's important to stay calm and patient, even when you feel angry or frustrated.

Set clear and consistent boundaries

Children need to know what is expected of them and what consequences their actions will have, so set clear and consistent rules for behavior at home and at school. Make sure all adults who interact with the child are aware of the rules and enforce them.

Focus on positive behavior

Instead of focusing only on negative behaviors, praise and reward the child when he or she behaves positively. This will help you learn what behaviors are acceptable and desirable.

Use effective consequences

Remember that the consequences you establish must be appropriate for the child's age and be applied consistently; it is of no use if for the same behavior the consequence is one today and another tomorrow. Remember that physical or verbal punishment can make behavioral problems worse.

Provide emotional support

Children with behavioral problems often need additional emotional support, make sure your child or child with behavioral problems has a trusted adult with whom they can talk about their feelings and concerns. You may also consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.

Work as a team with the school

It is very important that you work as a team with teachers and other school professionals to help your child succeed academically. The school may provide additional resources and support for the child.

Take care of yourself

Caring for a child with behavioral problems is stressful. It is important that you take time for yourself and seek support from other parents, friends or family.

When addressing child behavior problems, it is essential to recognize how self-esteem and a sense of belonging impact children's behavior. At Kiddus we understand that feeling good about yourself makes a significant difference in attitude and behavior, which is why we create products such as sunglasses for children that help children explore their environment with safety and style, positively contributing to their emotional and behavioral well-being. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing childhood behavioral disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach and close collaboration between parents, educators and health professionals. Remember that the goal behind treating these behavioral disorders is to help the child and ensure that they have the possibility of creating a happy life without major consequences.