Child Assessment & Testing - Behavioural Problems
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Behavioural Disorders
- Developmental Delay
- Dyslexia
- Emotional Disorders and Trauma
- Intellectual Disability
- Learning Difficulty/Disability
Child Assessment & Testing - Behavioural Problems
The two main behavioural problems
that parents should be concerned about are Oppositional
Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. As
the terms suggest, both disorders are associated with
some form of misconduct that falls outside the range of
age appropriate behaviour. The two conditions are
similar and mainly separated by the age of the child,
severity levels and type of behavioural problems that
children display.
WHAT WE OFFER
We offer diagnostic assessments and professional
reports that will help understanding your child's
behaviour and will help moving forward and deciding
about possible future treatment. This may be behaviour
therapy, family therapy or school based intervention.
OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER
CHARACTERISTICS
Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder show
hostile and generally negative behaviour patterns
towards authority figures, such as parents and teachers.
They likely to loose their temper easily, react strongly
when their demands are refused, they can appear to be
stubborn and uncompromising. These characteristics often
result in arguments and verbal aggression, such as
swearing at adults.
Oppositional children rarely, if ever, take
responsibility for their actions. In their minds they
are not at fault, but others who place demands on them.
These children may tease others and may enjoy causing
distress. Since they do not accept responsibility for
their actions the resulting arguments may lead to anger
outbursts and vindictiveness. It should be noted that
some oppositional behaviour is normal part of
development. In order to be outside the normal range,
oppositional behaviour must be intense, broad and cause
significant impairment in the child's overall
functioning.
Similarly, oppositional behaviour can be the symptom of
other disorders, such as ADHD or emotional difficulties.
It is important to distinguish the primary causes of
oppositional tendencies as many children externalise
their emotional reactions to environmental factors
(e.g., family distress) and are not at risk from
Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
COURSE AND PROGNOSIS
Depending on the context, children can overcome
oppositional behaviour relatively easily. In fact, the
standard intervention strategy for the treatment of
oppositional behaviour is family therapy and parenting
skills training. There are children who appear to be
born with oppositional tendencies, however, the family
environment can still greatly improve or exacerbate such
conditions.
CONDUCT DISORDER
CHARACTERISTICS
Conduct Disorder is characterised by rule breaking
behaviour, deceit and lack of respect for others'
rights. Whereas young children are more likely to be
diagnosed with oppositional tendencies, Conduct Disorder
more often appear among older children and adolescents.
Conduct Disorder is the serious violation of rules and
include bullying and intimidation of others, cruelty to
people and animals, engaging in physical fights, using a
weapon when fighting, stealing and breaking into houses
and cars, fire settings and vandalism, frequent lying,
staying out at night, truancy and running away from
home.
COURSE AND PROGNOSIS
Early symptoms of Conduct Disorder often include
oppositional tendencies in childhood. The majority of
children and adolescents diagnosed with Conduct Disorder
have long standing history of oppositional behaviour and
persistent problems at home and at school. Once
diagnosed, adolescents with Conduct Disorder are at an
increased risk of developing Antisocial Personality
Disorder in their adulthood.
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