If you suspect your child may have a behavior disorder, you are not alone. All children will, at times, display the the disruptive behaviors characteristic of behavior disorders. The difference between normal childhood outbursts of bad behavior and a genuine disorder lies in the frequency and severity with which the behaviors occur. Suspected behavior disorders are the most common reason parents seek psychological evaluations for their children, and you should leave it to the professionals to make a firm diagnosis of the behavior disorder your child may, or may not, have.
Step 1
Observe your child as she interacts with others and works to complete tasks. If possible, keep a list of the symptoms of common behavior disorders, and make a note each time you observe your child display one, either in a notebook or on a computer spreadsheet.
Step 2
Watch for and note the signs of oppositional defiant disorder, or ODD. According to the University of Pittsburgh's Department of School-Based Behavioral Health, this disorder is characterized by the increased tendency of a child to argue, lose his temper, actively defy the rules of adults, blame others for his own mistakes, annoy others on purpose and become agitated or angry.
Step 3
Watch for and note the signs of conduct disorder, or CD. Children with CD tend to destroy property, be aggressive toward people and animals, lie, steal, run away from home and ditch school. These symptoms usually manifest before the age of 13.
Step 4
Watch for and note the signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. According to the nonprofit Help Guide Organization, the three main characteristics of this condition are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, although a child with ADHD need not display all three. Signs of inattention include tuning out topics they find boring and leaving most tasks incomplete. A hyperactive child never stops moving and often bounces among tasks without completing any of them. An impulsive child invades the space of others, blurts out tactless observations or inappropriate questions and tends to be moody and emotional.
Step 5
Discuss the signs and symptoms you have observed in your child with a school counselor or a private practitioner of child psychology. Your informed observations will help the professional determine if your child has a behavior disorder and arrive at a diagnosis.
Things You'll Need
- Notebook and pen, or
- Computer spreadsheet program
