A behaviour disorder is characterised as a clinically significant pattern of behaviour associated with distress or impairment in an important area of functioning.
Childhood behavioural disorders include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and eating disorders.
As children develop, they are constantly growing and changing. It is important to bear this in mind if your child’s behaviour is disturbing. However, childhood disorders are more significant exaggerations of emotional states than the milder forms, which are regarded as normal for their age. If the problem is persistent, seek the help of a trained professional, who can help with diagnosis.
Yes, two or more behavioural disorders can – and often do – exist at the same time. For instance, research shows that between 35-60 per cent of those with ADHD also have ODD.
Challenging behaviour is conduct that is either a challenge for others to manage and/or puts the young person at risk.
Children with learning difficulties have behaviours that challenge and may include aggression, self-harm; soiling or smearing; shouting; and ‘acting out’ or sexualised behaviour in public.
All behaviour happens for a reason, and understanding the function, as well as finding the ‘trigger’, is key to managing it positively. An outburst may be a known reaction to a daily activity, or sometimes it may be so out of the blue you are struggling to work out what has caused it. It’s a way of communicating.
However, once children learn that shouting and banging their head, for example, gets them attention or gets them out of a situation, positive reinforcement kicks in and they begin to see it as a way of getting what they want. This is called a learned behaviour.
Functions of challenging behaviour:
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a serious mental health condition which affects the child’s development and can interfere with their leading a normal life.
Children and adolescents with CD tend to be repeatedly and persistently physically aggressive and/or antisocial, beyond what is expected of their age. In a younger child, where the difficulties are happening within the home, this may be called Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Young people with CD may fight, bully, be cruel to people and animals, destroy other people’s property (possibly including arson), lie and steal, this may range from ‘borrowing’ others’ possessions to shoplifting, forgery, car theft and burglary.
Children with this disorder often lie, are truants, cheat at schoolwork and display callous behaviour. They may misuse tobacco, alcohol and other drugs at an unusually early age and be sexually precocious. Around five per cent of pupils are reported as having conduct disorder – although the actual figure may be higher because many are undiagnosed
The cause of CDs is unclear, possibly a combination of biological, genetic and environmental factors. More boys than girls are diagnosed and increasing numbers as children reach adolescence.
CD is often accompanied by other conditions, such as ADHD, autism, anxiety disorders, depressive or bipolar disorders, and substance misuse. These disorders are the most common reason for children being referred to mental health services.
Before diagnosing, a professional will talk to parents, teachers and others in the child’s life to rule out other potential conditions before diagnosing CD. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the likelihood of treatment working.
Currently, the best treatment for CD is considered to be long-term psychotherapy and behavioural therapy, with the entire family and support network involved.
Schools employ a variety of strategies when working with these youngsters, including behaviour management, social skills (often through enhanced personal, social and health education [PSHE] input), strategies to improve self-esteem and self-control, and close liaison and involvement with parents and safeguarding professionals. Nevertheless, children diagnosed with CDs often fail at school or college and become socially isolated.
In recent years there has been some criticism around how CD is dealt with in schools.
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
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