All children go through periods of naughtiness and defiance as a way to test boundaries or due to the inability to properly control emotions. However, for some children, naughtiness and defiance are persistent and can get in the way of normal development and forming social bonds.
Children with behavioral issues can grow up to be unhappy adults. As parents, we want our children to grow up healthy and happy. The right physician who can help children address behavioral issues is a pediatrician, specifically a pediatrician who has undergone training in children’s developmental and behavioral problems.
Children who see developmental-behavioral pediatricians see greater improvement in their behavior. Here’s how pediatricians or developmental-behavioral pediatricians to be exact, address behavioral issues in children.
How Pediatricians Address Behavioral Issues
The first thing a pediatrician does is perform a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s behavior, which includes:
● Performing a medical exam
● Recording a complete history of your child, including how they react in certain settings
● Observing your child
● Talking to your child
● Checking for behavioral feedback from your child’s teachers and daycare specialists
● The evaluation of your child by other specialists
Only after a comprehensive review of your child’s symptoms will the pediatrician be able to make a clinical diagnosis of your child’s behavioral issue. As with any condition, the diagnosis is the first step to finding an effective treatment.
The recommended treatment by a pediatrician may also include referrals to other health specialists according to the findings of the evaluation. The treatment will most likely involve a multifaceted approach.
After Making a Diagnosis
After a diagnosis, your child may be prescribed medication, such as in the cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or Conduct Disorder (CD), to curb compulsive behavior. Recommendations may also include cognitive behavioral therapy, parental education, family therapy, and discipline strategies. It is important to encourage excellence in a child with behavioral issues in order to build self-esteem. Participation in the arts and sports can help children build self-esteem and channel their energy into positive pursuits.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy also helps your child control their thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Social training also teaches your child the skills required to converse and play with kids of the same age and practice cooperation in social settings. Anger management sessions teach your child how to recognize signs of growing anger and frustration and use healthy ways to cope with such emotions, such as diffusing and relaxation techniques. The results of the treatment will be closely monitored by the pediatrician.
Pediatric Urgent Care Center in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania
If your child needs urgent care for any non-life-threatening illness and injury, you are welcome to come to our walk-in Pediatric Urgent Care clinic. We have experienced pediatricians on staff who can help treat your child.
For your convenience, we are open seven days a week, with no appointments necessary. To let us know you are coming, call (267) 202-6433 or check-in online. Our staff looks forward to welcoming you and your child to our Fairless Hills urgent care clinic.
