Behavioral Disorders
All kids misbehave on occasion. Testing boundaries and misbehaving are necessary for children to develop autonomy and learn how actions lead to consequences. How do you know the difference between typical behavior and a disorder? If your child’s behaviors are consistently causing disruptions across home, school, and social settings, they may have a behavior disorder.
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Common Behavioral Disorders in Children
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd)
A disorder that makes it difficult for children to focus and can cause impulsivity and hyperactivity. ADHD is broken down into types, including inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Children with ODD will consistently question authority figures, like parents, teachers, and caregivers. They are argumentative, break minor rules, and intentionally annoy or upset others.
Conduct Disorder (CD)
Unlike children with ODD who break minor rules, a child with CD violates significant rules by doing things like skipping school or stealing. They often bully others and will become physically aggressive. Destruction of property and a disregard for the rights and feelings of others are other characteristics of CD.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
IED involves sudden outbursts of impulsive, aggressive actions that are a disproportionate response to a situation. A child with IED may yell, break things, threaten others, or become physically violent with little to no warning beforehand.
Warning Signs of Behavior Disorders
Every specific behavior disorder has a set of common characteristics, but many children don’t have all of the symptoms of a single disorder, and some have traits from several disorders. If you’re concerned that your child may have a behavioral disorder, be on the lookout for these signs:
- Being socially withdrawn, especially from peers, or having excessive fear or anxiety about social situations.
- Aggression toward others or self-injuring
- Frequent hyperactivity or impulsive behavior
- Signs of emotional immaturity, such as temper tantrums or lack of coping skills
- Struggling academically or having a sudden decrease in academic performance
Managing Symptoms of Behavior Disorders
You cannot cure many behavior disorders, but you can manage the symptoms to help your child live a healthy, productive life. Children learn by modeling, so you can help your child manage their behavior disorder by making healthy lifestyle choices.
- Encourage physical activity. Children younger than six should be active intermittently throughout the day, while kids between the ages of 6-17 should spend at least 60 minutes per day doing moderate to vigorous physical activities.
- A healthy diet is essential for all children; proper nutrition can help reduce unwanted behaviors. What your child doesn’t eat is just as important – avoid foods with added sugar and artificial colors or flavors, as these can increase hyperactivity.
- Ensure your child gets enough sleep. Even adults feel cranky and less productive if they don’t get enough sleep. Children ages 3-5 should sleep 10-13 hours daily, including naps. Older kids between 6-12 should get between 9-12 hours, and 13-18-year-olds should sleep 8-10 hours each night.
Behavior Therapy for Parents
You read that right. Children with behavior disorders need clear, consistent rules and discipline that are the same no matter where they are. Behavior therapy for parents will teach you how to create a household structure with rules and a routine. You will also learn practical ways to give instructions, to praise good behavior, and to ignore mild misbehavior. Charts and point systems with defined rewards and consequences benefit kids with behavioral disorders.
Therapy for Children with Behavioral Disorders
Individual therapy allows your child to speak freely about their feelings without fear of judgment. Family therapy allows everyone in your home to communicate in a neutral space. Family therapy is also an excellent place to practice the skills you learn during parent behavior therapy.
The Mind Matters Difference
Our team of therapists knows that your mind matters, and we can help you harness its power so you can live a happier, more balanced life. You’re more than just a client file to us; we don’t have a cookie-cutter approach to Behavioral Therapy. Mental health is vital for everyone, and our goal is to make treatment accessible and welcoming to anyone who needs it.
Behavioral Disorder Therapy Near Lexington, Kentucky and Columbus, Ohio
There’s no instruction manual for parenting; Having a child with a behavioral disorder can feel overwhelming. The experienced therapists at Mind Matters are here to help you and your family navigate the waters of behavioral disorders and treatment. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we can help you provide that. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We offer therapy services in Lexington, Kentucky, Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding area.