It is normal for children to sometimes cry, hit other children during play, disobey or ignore the instructions of parents or teachers. However, when such behavior becomes more frequent and more aggressive and hinders the social or educational development of the child, it may point to a behavioral problem. Characteristics of children with behavioral problems vary and may change over time.
Inattentive and Hyperactive
Generally young, healthy children are inattentive, energetic, anxious and hyperactive. However, when this loss of attention and hyperactivity chronically disrupt the home or classroom environment and hinder school work, the child may have a behavior problem. Children with these symptoms also cannot focus on a game or talking to friends for short periods of time, and they lose motivation to complete tasks that demand attention very quickly. Chronic and severe inattentiveness, restlessness and hyperactivity may be signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as noted by the MayoClinic.com.
Disobedient and Agressive
Children with behavioral problem such as oppositional-defiant disorder show regular aggressive and negative behavior. They may disobey their parents and teachers, break rules, steal things, destroy property, have outbursts of anger and use abusive language. If these symptoms persist for more than six months and become progressively worse, it may become child disintegrative disorder, as explained by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Mood Changes
Prolonged and extreme changes in mood may also indicate a behavior disorder. Children may become sad, have low energy and not eat properly or sleep well. They may also complain of body pain, avoid friends and school, or they may become overly energetic, aggressive, excited, joyful, short-tempered, risk-taking, high in energy and have erratic thoughts. These symptoms may be due to bipolar mood disorder, as described by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Silent and Isolated
Some children with behavioral problems may show signs very early in life and begin speaking very late, spend much of their time alone and isolated from other children of their age. In some cases these symptoms may be due to autism. Other signs that generally appear before the age of 3 include not responding to their name being called, avoiding eye contact, speaking in an abnormal or incoherent way, repeating words or saying meaningless words, not paying attention, repeating actions or playing in certain manners only. MayoClinic.com notes that some children show normal growth patterns with healthy development and the ability to speak but begin to show signs of autism after the age of 4 years.
