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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...
ADD/ADHD A to Z : Finally, you can have the one guide
you need to truly understand all of the known information about
the many facets of ADD/ADHD and its impact on your child and your
family! Find out if it is ADD, ADHD, or a sensory processing
disorder.
: 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.
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!
Calm Your Fussy Baby : Another excellent option for a
valuable sleep program. No more crying it out and making you and
your child miserable. A condensed book of all the best parts of
the well known experts advice, the parts that are comfortable! And
you can't lose with a price of only $9.95 with a 100% money back
guarantee. Included with this will be over $70 of additional FREE
BONUSES (including an audio of calming sounds)!! As the author
says, "You're baby deserves to be happy, and you do too!" What
have you got to lose; well, except sleep if you don't try it! ;0)
In Just 35 Minutes
This Audio Program Teaches You How To Get Your Baby To Sleep
Through The Night Every Night - 100% Guaranteed. Ideal For Parents
Whose Toddler Or Infant Has Sleep Problems
Michele's Movement Store
Michele's 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!
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"
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