Common Signs of Behavioral Issues in Children

It’s hard to take care of a child. Not one child is the same as the others, and different parenting strategies are needed for each one. For some people, it can be hard to understand children as well. Many times, they are understandably harder to deal with than adults.

When a child acts out or exhibits bad behavior, it’s not because they’re bad. Most people are quick to assume that children have a complete understanding of rights and wrongs. Most of the time, children act out simply because they don’t know any better. They could be trying to get attention. Other times, they simply have no other way of expressing their feelings. This leads to pent-up frustration that could lead to aggressive behaviors and tantrums.

Children are known to act out, and that’s normal. They’re growing up, testing boundaries, and learning. This is why parents need to keep watchful eyes on their children. However, if a child simply can’t be tamed, or seem firm on acting aggressively, it might be better to seek specialists for occupational therapy. These therapists provide medication, counseling, and disability support to people of all ages.

Children who are persistently aggressive may be diagnosed with Behavioral Issues. This is a broad term that refers to conditions such as Conduct Disorder (CD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). There are many behavioral issues with different symptoms. However, if your child has symptoms related to behavioral disorders, you’d need to seek help from occupational therapy. Occupational therapists can provide a correct diagnosis, treatment, and intervention. They can also provide disability support for children who have physical and mental handicaps.

Let’s take a look at a few symptoms of Behavioral Disorders.

Restless Behavior

Children are active individuals. They have high energy, and they usually like to release it through games and dynamic activities. However, if a child cannot sit still, or is constantly fidgets, it can be a behavioral disorder. Restlessness and inability to sit still are symptoms of behavioral issues such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Take note of other symptoms as well, such as when a child cannot pay attention, refuses to wait, and interrupts conversations. Occupational therapists can treat ADHD through medication, skill-building, and speech therapy.

Resistance to Authority

• Defiance to parents, teachers, and other authority figures is common in children who have oppositional defiant disorder. When children with ODD interact with figures of authority, they usually refuse to pay attention or display angry and irritable moods. Children with ODD also prefer to argue with figures of authority instead of connecting with them.

Misconduct

• This refers to behaviors that are generally seen as rude (or even criminal) by adults. This includes acts such as assault, theft, and dishonesty.
• If your child continues to display misconduct after being reprimanded, they could have Conduct Disorder. In this case, they might need intervention from an occupational therapist.

Social Isolation

• Not all behavioral issues present themselves in aggressive and disruptive behaviors. Other children could simply have trouble interacting with their peers. In many cases, children simply refuse to spend time with other people. This social isolation can be a symptom of various behavioral issues.
• Social isolation can be treated through occupational therapy. Speech therapy can also be given to children who have trouble speaking with their peers.