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!

If you instead want a refreshing, up-to-date, unique perspective on behavior problems in children; their causes, the treatment that I have personally seen work, specific behaviors to address (from the simple to "unusual"), and a theory that can explain these behaviors...

Then you have come to the right place!

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.

And, I might add, behaviors are not just the result of: spoiling a child, bad parenting, lack of discipline, neglect, ADHD, a learning disability, conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, shyness, a need for attention, power, revenge or a feeling of inadequacy etc.

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.

 

As you can imagine, behavior problems in children can range from the obvious of...

  • hitting
  • pushing
  • yelling
  • fighting with peers
  • difficulty changing from one activity to another
  • sleeping problems
  • excessive energy levels
  • being unable to sit still and focus
  • refusal to partake in normal childhood experiences or play
  • picky eaters
  • frequent tantrums
  • extreme sensitivities and excessive fears

    Learn more about child anger issues and strategies for coping with them.


    To more unique or typically "autistic-type" behaviors such as...

  • grinding teeth
  • rocking back and forth
  • lunging
  • head banging, scratching or biting self
  • spinning or mouthing objects
  • constant humming or making noises
  • finger flicking
  • jumping or shaking extremities
  • spinning self
  • or excessive smelling and sniffing


    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!

    These behavior problems in children will thus become the "red flag indicators" of a sensory integration/sensory processing disorder. For an in depth list of these, as well as some GREAT "behavioral" resources, check out Behavior Problems And Sensory Processing Disorders

    As you go through this site, you will definitely get a better understanding about why children with this disorder behave the way they do. I would highly recommend the previously mentioned articles and books you can find at Michele's Book Store .

    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.

    Now, let's talk treatment.

    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!

    They are as follows... 

    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?

    Parenting Secrets By Mother Of Five -  Raising Kids With Life Skills Makes Both Parenting And Growing Up Easier To Do.


    And, here are even MORE resources to help you and your child:


    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!


    Movement Store

    Book Store


    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!

     



     

    For the "atypical" behaviors we see with children who have autism, check out the essential guide to autism.  Discover vital information about autism & check for autistic traits.  Get what really works

    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!

    Do You Have Any Comments About Behavior Problems?

    If you have any comments, ideas, suggestions, questions or any other thoughts about behavior problems, please share them with the readers of Sensory-Processing-Disorder.com

    Enter Your Title

    Tell Us Your Thoughts![ ? ]

    Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional)[ ? ]

    Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

    Click here to upload more images (optional)

    Author Information (optional)

    To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

    Your Name

    (first or full name)

    Your Location

    (ex. City, State, Country)

    Submit Your Contribution

    Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.


    (You can preview and edit on the next page)

    What Other Visitors Have Said

    Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

    Confused about SID diagnosis vs PDD diagnosis 
    Our 5.5 year old son was first diagnosed with SID at age 2.5. Six months later he was dx with PDD, autism spectrum disorder. We had little treatment for …

    Grandmother of SY 
    Sy has been a very sensitive little guy since Birth now he is 27 months and I am seeing new strange behaviors. His speech is delayed and he does not seem …

    Behavior problems  
    My 8 year old son was recently diagnosed with SPD and we are having serious behavior problems with him. (which is nothing new).. He fights us on everything. …

    Pam  
    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.

    Kim Wiggins, OT 
    Typically when I have an autistic child that is staring at fans or spinning wheels, I put them on a spinning protocol. Do you have any other suggestions? …

    Mom with very complicated beautiful girl who still has not been fully dianosed 
    My daughter is now 10. She was born DOA and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy it took 7 years to find out what types of palsy she has, she is quadriplegic. …

    Helping Siblings understand 
    My 23 month old was diagnosed at 17 months with SPD. I also have a 3.5 year old. I am trying to find a way to help my older child understand that what …

    Need help 
    my daughter has SPD she also has a speech delay and is receiving OT and speech therapy and EI works with her as well. my concern is how she doesnt play …

    We are having difficulty with our son cursing when he feels overwhelmed. 
    We are having difficulty with our son cursing. We are using time out, which is effective...but on days when he is overloaded at school he started cursing …

    I don't know what to do as a parent 
    My son, Thomas, is 2 years 10 months and has been attending long day care for 6 mths. After a difficult beginning the childcare teacher felt that he had …

    Dot 
    had to put my 8 mth old female rabbit to sleep today, it was heartbreaking, my 4 and half year old picked her up by legs and swung her around and broke …

    SPD and behavior problems 
    My son (age 7) was recently diagnosed w/ SPD. We are on the waiting list for OT services for body awareness issues, etc. and he currently receives vision …

    O.T. 
    What are some causes and recommendations for reducing sometimes continuous, inappropriate sounds or noises? If the child (4 year old boy) is in a one …

    Son is fine at home,not at school.  
    My 11 year old son was diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder a few years ago. I noticed he had some SPD tendencies even then.He was on meds to help with focus …

    Problems at home differ from school? 
    Our son shows more complicated behavior at home than he does at school.would this be usual,as school is a more formal place of learning.our son has one …

    Toddler Head Banging, Please Help!!  
    Hi everyone! I have a 23 month old daughter who is very high needs and always has been. She is not diagnosed with autism or SPD that I know of (will be …

    SPD and behavioral problems 
    My main problem is educating the teachers in my son's school regarding SPD. My son was diagnosed with lt hemiplegia cerebral palsy and sensory processing …

    Sensory Processing Disorders versus ADHD 
    I am saddened by the medical model quick diagnosis of ADHD for many children and adults who present with behaviour that is concerning or problematic to …

    Getting dressed , late for school 
    My 5 YO grandson was diagnosed with SID last year. In the beginning of the school year he spent every single day in the principles office for fighting …

    Hyposensitivity 
    I am a special education teacher who has worked for a year with toddlers on the Autistic spectrum and many years with children who demonstrate behavioral …

    My son hits and bumps into other kids while in line at school 
    My 9 yr old son has been getting in trouble for hitting other children and kicking and bumping into them in line at school. He has been diagnosed already …

    Ms Minkey 
    My son is struggling in kindergarten with touching and punching how do I help the teacher? He is diagnosed pdd nos and sensory seeking and ocd. He is …

    Behaviour 
    My son is 5 and seems to not understand what he has done is wrong and laughs. This drives me bonkers. Any ideas?

    2 1/2 year old with frequent and major tantrums 
    My 2 1/2 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with SPD. Shes in Behavior therapy, OT & PT & soon to start listening therapy. She has MAJOR meltdowns …

    Click here to write your own.

    Behavioral problems 
    How do you treat/discipline a 5 yr. old with auditory dysfunction who acts out toward the "loud" person?

    Concerned mom with recently diagnosed 2 1/2 year old with SPD 
    My 2 1/2 year old was recently diagnosed with SPD. She is in Behavior therapy once a week as well as OT/PT once a week for about the past month. She …

    Question on how to deal with 2 children with difficult behaviour 
    My 10 yr old is on the autism spectrum with Tourette's, ADHD, Anxiety and OCD. My 5 yr old is currently being assessed but my feeling is he has Aspergers …

    Mom of an SPD Teen 
    My daughter is 16, and has many symptoms of SPD..... at one time it was called 'sensory interactive disorder'...while she falls almost unanimously into …

    Getting worse... Derek 8 
    i have a son 8 yrs old that has been diagnosed at 4yrs old with spd.i live in Ireland and as you can imagine there is no help or groups for this disorder.people …

    Behavior Problems... 
    My son is 5 years old and very bright. He has been diagnosed with SPD and attends OT twice a week. He was moved up to kindergarten this year at the age …

    Single Parents??? 
    I'm in the middle of a divorce & my almost 3 yo just was diagnosed with a sensory problem. Should this be brought up in court for visitation purposes? …

    OTR 
    I work with a little first-grade mosaic downs boy. He is very bright, funny, and can do most work at grade level. The problem...behavior. He has a 1:1 …

    Just a mom 
    I have a daughter that is 16 and a son that is 7 and they both have sensory issues. I have been crying out for help for years and have heard the usual, …

    Grand-mother 
    Our child is a twin, and she seems to be the one that is effected. It is very disturbing to watch one girl excell in every area of school and the other …

    Frustrated when alone with child in public 
    I am the mother of a four year old boy with SPD. He was diagnosed in March of this year. It is very hard for me to take him places for any length of …

    Biting 
    I Have 3 yr old child with (SID). He has received OT, at a Sensory gym, as well as speech for over a year and has had a special instruction teacher for …

    Major "issues" at our house 
    I don't know what to do, again I am feeling lost and unsure of how to he a good parent to my son. He is having this fits or "issues" as we call them, and …

    Approaches to discipline. 
    At a recent parent teacher conference I was informed by my 9 year old son's teacher that she had placed his single desk in the center of the class room, …

    Clueless 
    I have a 5 year old boy that has stumped many counselors and made many psychiatrists make quick if not wrong diagnoses and then change their mind about …

    Shelly Todd  
    I have a question for other parents...my 5 year old is starting public kindergarten in a week. I have done all I can think of to make the year start well …

    Meltdown help 
    Ok I need some help here, I need some ideas of how to help him while he is having a major meltdown. His meltdowns are ones that will start off with …

    Montessori school for kids with SPD? 
    Our 4.5 year old son has SPD (over responsive). He also had a traumatic hospitalization this spring from a burst appendix (of all the things! so frustrating …

    Physical Therapist 
    How can we differentiate between behavior problems due to sensory processing problems and behaviors due to other problems?

    Best Book EVER on Sensory Processing Disorder! 
    By far the best book I have read for parents and families of a child with Sensory Processing Disorder is " Parenting a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder …

    Social sensitivity 
    My three year old is very sensitive to other children. He does not like when they come near him and he hates when they look at him. He is quite a hitter. …

    Head banging 
    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 son was diagnosed with SPD at the age of 3. He went to OT for 2 years until we decided it wasn't helping with the "new" behavior issues we were having. …

    I am a teacher of toddler classroom in cleveland 
    In my class there is a little boy. All of the sudden, he has become violent saying shut up bitch, taking his lunch out of his mouth and throwing it on …

    Is really bad behavior SPD or something else? 
    All, I was hoping someone could help us. We have a 7 year old child diagnosed at 5 with SPD. Very bright not delayed. Smart, funny, sweet, etc. …

    Click here to write your own.

    Behavior 
    Hi, We are experiencing extreme behavior issues at home but also in the classroom. She is in Kindergarten (we home-schooled last year but wanted her …

    Toddler behavior 
    My son is 18 months old and recently he has become very aggressive towards himself. When being told "no" or "bed time" he will start freaking out by shaking …

    Behavior at school  
    My 5 year old is not listening to his teacher and seems to be refusing to participate more and more.

    Aggressive behavior in school 
    First of all, I need to express what a relief it was to find this community!!! I am the mother of a 8 year old boy, diagnosed with sensory modulation …

    Naughty Behavior 
    Hi All, How do you handle and control naughty behavior due to sensory overload. By the time we are nearing the end of the school week, our daughter …

    School says not SPD but Behavioral Problems 
    My son was diagnosed last March with SPD more specifically sensory seeking, postural disorder and mild auditory over-responsivity. I was so glad to finally …

    Is this behavior a sensory disorder?  
    My 6 y/o is beautiful smart little one, but when it comes to clothes is a real challenge, today I noticed that all her polo shirts from school were ripped …

    My daughter's behavior 
    I have two daughters ages 3 and 4 who have been diagnosed with the SPD, verbal dyspraxia, coordination dyspraxia, my 3 year old has an eating disorder …

    Behavior Problems at school 
    How do you talk to a parent of a child with SPD about being consistent with discipline?

    A Cincinnati Mom Needs Input -- Difficulty Making Friends Due To Sensory Seeking Behaviors 
    My daughter is 6 years old and does have a Sensory Disorder. We just returned from a trip to Disney in Orlando. My Husband, Daughter (Hannah) and I …

    Could DS's (4.5) Behavior Be Caused By Giving Up Naps? 
    DS did come down with a cold over the weekend so that may explain some of his behavioral issues but I've really noticed it more over the past month, at …

    Looking For Case Studies Regarding Sensory-Rich Activities Helping Behavior 
    Do you know of any case studies which show that adding sensory-rich activities to a classroom can help kids with SPD behave better? Thanks so much! …

    Cause of Some Sensory Processing Disorders 
    I am a Teacher and Reading Specialist. I have six children and have worked with many types of children including autistic children. I read about a new …

    Help 
    My son is 30 months he is under different doctors but nothing seems to be going anywhere. Since he was born all he did was cry. Now he lashes out all the …

    Mom Not rated yet
    My eight yr old child exhibits a lot of sensory integration behaviors, but does not exhibit the behaviors in school. I recently videotaped my son having …

    Sensory Seeker Not rated yet
    my 4 ear boy is a sensory seeker but is extremely intelligent ,he is fond of mechanical and electronic things .he can recognize logos since 2 years.he …

    SPD? Not rated yet
    My child is ten years old and has started to refuse to wear clothes in the house and is very picky about what she wears outside, even down to socks being …

    What do I tell his teacher? Not rated yet
    I have a little boy of 5 with SID. He is a jumper, crasher, bouncer..... His teacher is overwhelmed, but very willing to help. What can I tell her …

    Defiant at school Not rated yet
    My 8 year old grandson has spd and has been doing well until recently. He has become defiant at school, lying, and taking things that don't belong to him. …

    How to differentiate between SPD and temper tantrum Not rated yet
    how do we differentiate between sensory processing disorder and temper tantrum. like hitting or pushing could be prop seeking behavior or it could be a …

    Behavior Not rated yet
    I have a 5 year old boy that's been diagonsed with SPD. He is currently seeing an OT. Today he was playing nicely with our neighbors kids all around the …

    Almost 3 with SPD and completely misunderstood Not rated yet
    Currently my biggest stuggle is Deven soon to be 3 in mid-april and have went threw more daycares then i can count. I try to share as much info as we get …

    Behavioral issues with young adult with Autism Not rated yet
    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.

    Ms. Sa'Rius Davis Not rated yet
    What are two possible solutions for kids who fight with there peers and picky eaters?

    Mother of 3  Not rated yet
    I am having alot of problems with my 9 year old and his therapist have said to ignore his improper behavior and pay attention to his good behaviors but …

    Click here to write your own.

    ISD Not rated yet
    My daughter was diagnosed with ISD at age 2, They are trying to say she has ADHD she tested Mild for this, but high for anxiety now at age 9. Her behavior …

    Is it Sensory? Caused by food allergies? Behavioral? Please advise. Not rated yet
    a few months back i was on this site daily...then got away from it...mainly because i struggle MAJORLY between believing what is sensory and behavioral …

    How I Help my Daughter With Transition  Not rated yet
    Hello everyone, My DD has a problem with transitioning from one activity or daily chore to another. Does this sound familiar to you? Theresa …

    It sounds like my daughter has SPD Not rated yet
    my daughter is 8 years old and just from reading this articles and the list of symptoms, I know that my daughter has SPD. She in special ED. classes, for …

    Son may have SPD, need help getting assessment. Not rated yet
    My son is 9 years old. What brought me to this site is quirky behaviors and constant humming. I've been researching "constant humming in children", and …

    Kayden's Mother Not rated yet
    I have read all of the books listed above & more I can't seem to grasp how well Kayden does at Preschool (mind you its a special preschool that he goes …

    Behaviour management Not rated yet
    Hi I work in a daycare nursery where I have child who is very aggressive.His parents have found child got sensory disorder.In this case he spends morning …

    9 Yr old boy with behavior issues Not rated yet
    I have a 9 yr old boy who has behavior issues. He is on the aggressive side but very calm and follows rules at school. Never had a complaint from school. …

    Opposing SPD mom and son... Not rated yet
    I was wondering if anyone had any advice on managing my issues with sounds and noises while my SPD son is constantly clapping or hopping around on the …

    Learning to understand Not rated yet
    I have a 9 year old boy who is charming, bright, funny and very creative. I often find myself saying he is too mature for his age when it comes to knowledge …

    Ms Catrin Tamburini Not rated yet
    Hi I just wanted to say thanks for the insight you have given me and the resources outlined to help me in my research into Sensory Processing Dysfunction. …

    Help!  Not rated yet
    My brother is twelve years old. He is extremely careless in so many things such as school work, he doesn't even have the responsibility to write down his …

    9 Yr Old With SID And Anger Issues Not rated yet
    I'm raising my 9 yr old grandson who has been diagnosed with SID. He 's had PT, OT, speech and social skills counseling. He's come a long way, but his …

    Parent of child w/ SPD, occupational therapist Not rated yet
    Thank you for your website filled w/ resources. I am just trying to figure out how to help my own child, educate my husband and her teacher. Jill Foley, …

    Constant humming in children with autism Not rated yet
    I think the severely autistic person featured on youtube videos under cdfoakley and kgaccount show someone with the "autistic like" behaviors you discuss …

    Thank You! Not rated yet
    Thank you for giving me information so needed. This site is a must for all parents. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

    Grateful Not rated yet
    I am so grateful for this website. My son is almost six and is currently being seen by many professionals who all have their opinions on the cause of …

    Mumma Aussie Not rated yet
    Omg. I have for the past two years been trying too have my son treated for his constant behavioral problems. After reading this web site I know he dose …

    Behavior Not rated yet
    My 4 year old son was diagnosed with SPD a little over a year ago. He has made great progress in the program he is in; BUT he has gotten aggressive (then …

    Click here to write your own.

    Related Resources

    Parent Resources

    Child Behavior Problems As A Result Of SPD

    Problem Behaviors In The Classroom

    Hair Pulling And Self-Stimming Behaviors

    Behavior Of Your SPD Child; Home Vs. School

    Behaviors And Solutions For "The Sensory Sensitive Child"

     

    		•

     

    Leave Behavior Problems In Children And Return To
    The Sensory Processing Disorder Home Page

    footer for Sensory Processing Disorder page

    Copyright ©  www.sensory-processing-disorder.com

    Contact Us / Site Map / Disclaimer / Privacy Policy