Behavior Problems In Children: Finally... A Fresh New Perspective On Causes And Treatment!
If you came here looking for advice on behavior problems in children based on Dr. Phil, Dr. Spock, child psychologists and child psychiatrists, pediatricians and social workers, then I am afraid you have come to the wrong place. That is the bad news.
Now, here's the good news!
Understanding the root causes of behavior problems in children is critical to ensuring proper treatment. Too often people go on the old standard theories and treat the child with a purely "behavioral approach". These theories are not the "be all and end all" answer for every behavior, which too many assume it to be.
Each child is unique and must be treated as such. What explains behavior problems in one, may not in another. What treatment works for one, may not work for another.
True, these are LEGITIMATE reasons for SOME behavior problems in children, but, they are not the ONLY ones. There is a whole other reason that the "Behaviorists" leave unexplored... it is the behaviors that are based on a neurological disorder, called Sensory Integration Dysfunction or Sensory Processing Disorder (they are, as I have pointed out in previous articles, one in the same).
It is THIS disorder I will be basing my thoughts, ideas, advice and solutions on. I hope you will hear me out on this one, because it is so often overlooked as a root cause of behavior problems in children problems in children, but need not be anymore.
I am here to educate, support, and offer solutions that other professionals may not, simply due to the fact that they themselves have not been educated on the signs and causes of this disorder.
Although, I have to say, "KUDOS!" to those programs, schools, and professionals that DO recognize this disorder! Good for you! Keep up the good work and spread the news! Let's continue our rewarding work together.
Before continuing to read this section, you may first (if you haven't already) want to check out the Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist for a complete and thorough list of the "behaviors" I will be referring to. I do not want to waste your precious time by repeating myself, so read that list first.
Next, it may be in your best interest for a thorough understanding of sensory processing disorders to read My Home Page and "Sensory Integration Dysfunction Symptoms, What You Must Know" . These articles will get you started on the basics of what I am referring to when talking about sensory integration dysfunction and behavior problems in children which indicate this disorder.
Learn more about child anger issues and strategies for coping with them.
If you TRULY understand the concepts behind, and underlying, sensory processing disorders, then these behaviors can easily be explained and treated using an approach based on "a sensory processing theory". I have seen this theory and treatment in action... trust me, it works!
So, the first thing we must discuss is, based on this sensory processing disorder theory, WHY do these behavior problems in children happen? I would like to direct your attention to my How Does It Feel Article and Tactile Defensiveness Article for a better understanding of what these children have to deal with.
That said, it is imperative to understand, behavior problems in children with sensory processing disorders are directly related, and in proportion to, the way their neurological system takes in, organizes, and makes sense of the input it is receiving. If this process is not working well, we see dysfunction in the form of "behavior problems".
It is based on a continuum from hyposensitive to hypersensitive. Children may fall on extreme ends or fluctuate from one end to another. They may be hypersensitive in one area and hyposensitive in another. They may go back and forth between the two at any given time or be on one end of the continuum all the time.
Again, it is the intensity, frequency, and duration that will indicate which areas and the severity of their sensory processing disorder!
As you go through this site, you will definitely get a better understanding about why children with this disorder behave the way they do.
So, hopefully these articles have helped, but if you are still confused stay tuned for more articles I will be adding to this site weekly.
So, we are not only talking about the behaviors listed on the checklist, but the difficulties the parent, child, teacher and family members need to deal with on a day to day basis.
The first thing I must acknowledge is HOW DIFFICULT it can be to be a parent of one of these children (as I have said, I know, because I am!). So, I want to give you parents some of the best resources I have found to help you.
Just one important note... these resources are not intended to replace proper therapy and treatment, they are tools you may find useful in conjunction with therapy and as added resources and ideas for home or school!
Better Behavior Wheel Parenting Tool - Experience The Thrill Of Well Behaved Kids Overnight With This One-Of-A-Kind, Powerful New Parenting Tool. Its Worked For Thousands Of Grateful Parents And We Guarantee It Will Work For You As Well.
How To Improve Your Childs Behavior - Who Else Wants To End Their Childs Fighting, Arguing, And Talking Back Once And For All?
Old Me, New Me Guided Imagery For Behavior And Emotional Problems : A fascinating and UNIQUE CD program including 12 stories on 2 relaxation tapes. Research based 12 week series for children and teens to help reduce emotional and behavioral problems as well as negative thinking and feeling patterns. If you have a child who suffers from ADHD, hyperactivity, anxiety, aggression, impulsivity, or decreased attention span, YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!
Just a note, if you are new to all of this "sensory processing stuff", the best place to start is with The Out-of-Sync Child or Raising Your Spirited Child . Beyond the articles you will find on my site, you WILL find invaluable information in both of these books!!
Or, how about a chapter book written by Carol Stock Kranowitz (the author of "The Out-Of-Sync Child") geared for eight to twelve year olds as an introduction to sensory processing disorders and how your senses develop!
I know this page can be time consuming if you check out all of the links and suggestions, but I truly feel they are valuable. I hope you get a chance to spend some time browsing through this information. I believe you will find it well worth your time. So, go get a cup of coffee, put your feet up and click away.
Thank you for investing your time and showing interest in learning more about sensory processing disorders. I hope you find the education and hope you have been searching for!
Behaviors And Solutions For "The Sensory Sensitive Child"
Do You Have Any Comments About Behavior Problems?
Husband with childhood behavior still affecting his life today.
I need help! Aggressive, yelling, noises, lying, Agruing, refusing to do school work all new.
Not sure if its SPD??
My daughter has sensory issues and i was wondering if u could give me more detailed information of what it is and why it occurs.
We are having difficulty with our son cursing when he feels overwhelmed.
Son is fine at home,not at school.
Problems at home differ from school?
Toddler Head Banging, Please Help!!
Son may have SPD, need help getting assessment.
My son is 5 and seems to not understand what he has done is wrong and laughs. This drives me bonkers. Any ideas?
How do you treat/discipline a 5 yr. old with auditory dysfunction who acts out toward the "loud" person?
Montessori school for kids with SPD?
How can we differentiate between behavior problems due to sensory processing problems and behaviors due to other problems?
My daughter who is 19 months bangs her head out of frustration, day and middle of the night. She has horrible bruising on her head. Help!!!!
Behavior Issues with my 7 year old. Should we seek a Behavioral Counselor?
My 5 year old is not listening to his teacher and seems to be refusing to participate more and more.
Is this behavior a sensory disorder?
How do you talk to a parent of a child with SPD about being consistent with discipline?
Could DS's (4.5) Behavior Be Caused By Giving Up Naps?
Lately my son has gone from hitting and biting to choking other children... the same one as the matter of fact... what can I do?
What is the best way to tell parents and teachers in a seminar the difference between Sensory MODULATION or processing and Sensory REGULATION?
Young adult with autism does not like others too close to him, but he gets too close to others who are smaller/shorter and laughs when they get upset.
What are two possible solutions for kids who fight with there peers and picky eaters?
Thank you for giving me information so needed. This site is a must for all parents. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!