Identifying and Addressing Your Child’s Behavioral Issues

Behavioral issues in children are a significant concern for parents, caregivers and educators. These behaviors are typically more severe and persistent than typical childhood misbehavior and can significantly impact a child’s ability to function in various settings, such as at home, school or in social situations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 32 percent of children aged three to 17 years in the United States have been diagnosed with one of the four main behavioral health disorders – ADHD, anxiety, depression and behavior problems. In many cases, the conditions occur together. For example, more than one in three children diagnosed with anxiety also experienced behavior problems and depression.

Jonathan W. Shook, MD, a pediatrician at Hattiesburg Clinic Connections, treats children and adolescents with behavioral health issues. He noted that there is a recent increase in these issues among children. “The number of kids in America with ADHD has been around nine to ten percent, anxiety is about nine percent; depression is more like four to five percent,” Dr. Shook explained.

These disorders can manifest in various ways, affecting not only the child but also the entire family dynamic. It is crucial for parents to recognize the signs and symptoms of these disorders early on to facilitate a timely intervention.

Identifying Behavioral Disorders

If children are acting out with frequent tantrums, irritability, outbursts or defiance, how can parents know if this is typical child development or if something is amiss? How can you know if a certain behavior is outside of what is common? Because each child is unique and grows at their own pace, monitoring behavior patterns and your child’s development can help you recognize the difference. 

First, look for consistent patterns in your child’s behavior. Behavioral disorders often manifest as persistent and disruptive patterns that go beyond typical age-related challenges. 

Pay attention to your child’s social interactions. Many behavioral disorders affect a child’s ability to form and maintain relationships. Difficulty in making friends, extreme shyness or aggressive behavior may be indicative of a behavioral disorder.

Difficulties in school may also be a sign of a behavioral disorder. Look for signs such as a decline in grades, difficulty concentrating or consistent disruptive behavior in the classroom. Because many behavioral disorders are associated with attention-related challenges, teachers and parents may notice a lack of focus and hyperactivity.

Behavioral disorders can also cause a child to struggle with expressing thoughts and emotions. If your child is having difficulty articulating thoughts or managing their emotions, it may be a sign of a larger issue.

Remember that children vary widely in their behavior, but certain milestones provide a general guide. Familiarize yourself with age-appropriate behaviors, social skills and emotional responses.

“Changes in behavior all of a sudden, changes in grades or academic function suddenly, being more socially withdrawn, more angry or aggressive – all of these could indicate a behavioral disorder,” Shook said. “If you have concerns, reach out to your child’s primary care physician first to look for solutions.”  

Diagnosing Behavioral Disorders

Early diagnosis is crucial for managing behavioral disorders. If you are feeling unsure and are looking to discuss your child’s behavior with an experienced team of experts, behavioral health professionals can provide evaluation for any possible developmental, behavioral and mental health conditions.

The initial evaluation typically includes:

  • Completion of parent and teacher psychological rating scales
  • Parent and patient interviews
  • Input from the medical team obtained from their history and physical exam
  • A review of the patient’s educational, psychological and medical history, as well as the family’s educational, psychological and medical history
  • Standardized evaluations to determine the patient’s intelligence, language abilities and learning achievement
  • QbTest – computerized performance test that objectively measures core symptoms of ADHD relative to same age and gender peers
  • Additional evaluations may be provided to assess the presence of dyslexia

An effective diagnosis can rule out other causes or difficulties. An evaluation also helps your child’s care team determine a specific plan for their current level and set realistic goals. Documentation is also crucial for a child to have throughout their educational career. 

Elizabeth M. Felder, MD, a physician with Hattiesburg Clinic Connections, works with families during evaluations to make sure everyone understands the diagnosis and next steps. “Be sure to ask questions,” Dr. Felder urged. “It is important for a child struggling with behavioral health issues to have family support, so we want parents to fully understand what their child is facing.”

Treating Behavioral Disorders

Your behavioral health team will take a multidisciplinary approach to treating your child depending on his or her individual situation. Treatment options can include counseling and therapy, medication management, educational accommodations and parental support.

Counseling & Therapy

Children may struggle with their mental and emotional well-being due to the differences in how they interact with and perceive the world. Behavioral health counselors provide evidence-based therapy models that can help with social interactions and help individuals build resilience and balance.  

Medication Management

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms associated with behavioral disorders. Medications like stimulants for ADHD or mood stabilizers for mood-related disorders can be effective when used in conjunction with therapy.

Educational Accommodations

Children with behavioral disorders often face challenges in academic settings. Collaborating with your child’s teachers to implement appropriate educational accommodations, such as special education services or behavioral intervention plans, ensures that your child’s learning environment is conducive to their needs.

Parental Support

Parents play a crucial role in the treatment process. Understanding the challenges your child faces, learning effective parenting strategies and providing consistent support contribute significantly to the success of treatment. Parental involvement in therapy sessions and support groups can enhance the overall outcome.

“I have seen firsthand how parents’ support and love are crucial in a child’s journey through treatment for a behavioral disorder,” Felder said. “Their dedication and involvement provide the stability and encouragement necessary for their child to thrive and overcome challenges.”

Severe and persistent challenging behavior can have an impact on family life. The team at Hattiesburg Clinic Connections is here to talk to you if you are having difficulties managing or coping with your child’s behavior. Since it was established in 2006, Connections has set a standard for the care of students and families seeking help for ADHD and other related concerns. The providers remain dedicated to the goal of helping students and families function in such a way that each individual member can reach his or her fullest potential.

For more information on the behavioral health services offered at Hattiesburg Clinic, call (601) 261-5159 or visit us online at www.hattiesburgclinic.com.