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Raising children is not easy, especially when your child is going through a difficult stage that is causing them to act out. However, some behavioral issues are not normal phases, and they may require professional intervention. Below, the mental health service experts at NorthKey Community Care in Covington and other Northern Kentucky locations, discuss a few of the most common signs of a behavioral disorder.

3 Signs of a Child Behavioral Disorder

1. Easily Angered or Annoyed

While it’s common for children to have emotional outbursts, it’s important to be able to differentiate between normal and atypical behavior. If your child’s anger issues are causing problems at home and in school, and interfering with their ability to get along with others, this is a red flag. A few possible underlying causes for these issues could be ADHD or learning disorders.

2. Refusing to Follow Rules

mental health serviceWhen children break the rules, it’s the job of the parent to help them accept responsibility for their actions and learn from their mistakes. However, when a child consistently breaks the rules and refuses to accept the blame or consequences for their actions, this could be a sign of ODD, or oppositional defiant disorder. Managing the behavior of a child with ODD requires professional intervention, as their actions could escalate and become violent over time.

3. Inability to Pay Attention

If your child has trouble paying attention in class or focusing on tasks, this is a sign of ADHD, a common behavioral disorder. This can prevent your child from keeping up with their peers and cause them to act out due to frustration. ADHD can be managed effectively through therapy and possibly medication, depending on your child’s symptoms.

If your child is exhibiting alarming behavior, it may be time to seek treatment from a professional. The mental health service experts at NorthKey Community Care specialize in children and family counseling. When you’re ready to schedule the first appointment, call (859) 331-3292 to speak with a trained specialist. You can also visit NorthKey’s website to view their full list of mental health services. 

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