We have been able to prove, over the years, that during childhood, the relationship that the parent has with his child is crucial for his good development. This has a great impact on the child’s health and on their behavior towards others.
Some believe that the environment in which the child grows could be the cause of the development of a behavioral disorder, while others believe that the problems appear over time.
What is a behavioral disorder?
Behavioral disorders, sometimes diagnosed in childhood, are characterized by antisocial behaviors such as absenteeism, absconding, violation of the rights of others, irresponsibility or physical aggression.
These disorders arise as a mode of affirmation and are considered socially inadequate. They usually have mild or dangerous consequences for the child or adolescent with the disorder and for others.
What are the different types of behavioral disorders in children?
The most common behavioral disorders include:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
It is a neurobiological disorder that involves attention deficit, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity.
Common symptoms:
- Attention deficit
- Hyperactivity
- Verbal and motor impulsivity
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
ODD is a model of recurrent oppositional, provocative, negativist, disobedient and hostile behavior directed towards a figure of authority.
Common symptoms:
- Anger
- Irritability
- Malice
- Distrust of authority
Conduct disorder (CD)
Conduct disorder is a behavioral disturbance characterized by antisocial behaviors that violate the norms and rules appropriate for the child’s age.
Common symptoms:
- Aggression towards humans or animals
- Vandalism
- Lie
- Failure to comply with rules and regulations
Who can diagnose a behavioral disorder?
A mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist is responsible for diagnosing a behavioral disorder. To do this, the professional first carries out an in-depth assessment of the child.
Several factors that can influence the child’s behavior are taken into account in his assessment: mental problems, medical history, learning difficulty, family history, etc. Before diagnosing a child, several meetings are held to talk with the child and his family.
How do you treat behavioral disorders?
There are several natural ways to soothe behavioral disorders such as hypnosis, naturopathy, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapies. The use of medicines is also common.
The difference between a student with a behavioral disorder, a student with behavioral difficulties and a student at risk
Since I have been working in schools for several years, I have noticed that this is an issue which increasingly concerns the vast majority of teachers. While these concepts are similar, they shouldn’t be confused.
Students at risk
Students at risk are students who are at risk of developing behavioral problems if the situation does not improve. Therefore, rigorous monitoring by the teacher is important in order to prevent these children from developing real difficulties.
Students with behavioral difficulties
Students with behavioral difficulties are generally children who are in regular classes and who require interventions by regular teachers who will aim to improve these difficulties. As this is a difficulty linked to the school environment, it is possible to resolve it through good actions and interventions by teachers.
Children with behavioral disorders
Children with behavioral disorders have severe adjustment difficulties and disruptive behaviors, which require follow-up from a professional. Several spheres of the child’s life are affected. This is why assessments and specialized classes are preferred (MELS, 2015).
How to intervene?
For students who have behavioral difficulties or who are at risk of developing them, interventions focused on the classroom environment, teachers’ interventions as well as on the structure of the class generally make it possible to resolve the difficulty.
When a student has behavioral difficulties, it generally means that there has been an impactful event in his life. For example, he may be mourning, he may be sad because his parents divorced or he may be angry because he’s had to move to another city. These difficulties are temporary and the teacher can put in place benevolent and concrete interventions to secure the student while meeting his needs. He can create a reward system, use a learning staircase to help the child, etc.
However, a child with a behavioral disorder is evaluated by a psychologist, will be diagnosed and the repercussions will be much greater and will affect several spheres of the child’s life (Legendre, 2005, p.215). Thus, we notice that his disorder spreads in his environment. The child should therefore be followed closely to avoid consequences.
The main behavioral disorders that can be seen in the school environment are ADHD, oppositional disorder, conduct disorder and many others (Verlann et al., 2005). The teacher can at any time seek support from special education technicians or other stakeholders in the school in order to equip themselves to intervene effectively with the student.
In short, the topic of “difficult” children is an issue of increasing concern to teachers and it is important to be aware of the differences in order to carry out the appropriate interventions. I hope this article has been useful to you as a parent, teacher or educator.