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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!

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