| Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder & Disruptive Behavior Disorders |
Disruptive behavior is characterized as behavior that has some negative impact on others and the environment. There are a myriad of behaviors that can be classified as disruptive, including inattentiveness, distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity, refusing to following directions, disobeying instructions, argumentativeness, frequent use of profanity, aggressiveness, hostility, violence, violation of rules, and crime against persons or property.
Some minor forms of disruptive behavior are fairly common in children; some estimates indicate that up to 90 percent of pre-adolescents evidence some of form of minor disruptive behavior. More severe forms of disruptive behavior, including Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD), occur less frequently, though their impact is much more substantial and often has severe consequences. ODD is characterized by persistent oppositional and defiant behavior (e.g., refusing to follow directions at home and in school), and CD, which is more severe than ODD, is characterized by major rule violations (e.g., assaulting others, cruelty to animals, truancy from school, running away from home).
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is also classified within the disruptive behavior spectrum, is characterized by excessive inattentiveness (e.g., not paying attention, problems with focus and concentration) and/or hyperactivity (e.g., excessive physical activity) and impulsivity (e.g., acting before thinking). Research estimates that ADHD occurs in conjunction with either ODD or CD in upwards of 90 percent of cases. Also, research indicates that individuals diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, and/or Conduct Disorder are at risk for manifesting a number of problematic behaviors in adulthood, including alcohol abuse, significant interpersonal problems, and criminal offending. Given the potential for negative impact on functioning across the lifespan that the disruptive behavior diagnoses carry, early diagnosis and early intervention become vital.
Behavioral Science Specialists, LLC provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment, educational, and consultative services regarding ADHD, ODD, CD, and other forms of disruptive behavior consistent with best evidence-based practices that adhere to ethical principles, multicultural practice guidelines, and high standards of professional care.
Behavioral Science Specialists, LLC routinely provides the following services:
- Psychological assessment for early identification and follow-up of ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders
- Functional behavior assessment of specific problem behaviors
- Creation and implementation of behavioral plans for the home and school
- School advocacy/Individualized Education Plan (IEP) assistance
- Behavioral treatment of problem behaviors
[1]Schroeder, C. S. & Gordon, B. N. (2002). Assessment & treatment of childhood problems: A clinician’s guide, (2nd Ed.). New York: Guilford.
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Our clinical staff is available for consultation and can be reached by email at Info@BSSonline.org or by telephone at 614.291.7600. Additionally, the interested reader may consider consulting the following sources of information to learn more about disruptive behavior disorders:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Academy on Pediatrics
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Barkley, R. A. (2000). Taking charge of ADHD: The complete authoritative guide for parents, (Revised Ed.). New York: Guilford.
Barkley, R. A. & Benton, C. M. (1998). Your defiant child: Eight steps to better behavior. New York: Guilford. Barkley, R. A. & Robin, A. L. (2008). Your defiant teen: 10 steps to resolve conflict and rebuild your relationship. New York: Guilford.
Central Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Clarke, L. & Robb, J. (2005). SOS: Help for parents, (3rd ed.). Berkeley, CA: Parents Press.
Forehand R., & Long, N. (2002). Parenting the strong-willed child: The clinically proven five-week program for parents of two- to six-year-olds: Revised and updated edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
National Institute of Mental Health
Ohio Legal Rights Service
Reed Martin Special Education Advocacy
Wrights Law Special Education Advocacy
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