Conduct Disorder

Intro to Special EducationJustine McTighe

"Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also

capable of succeeding.“

-Robert John Meehan

Objectives

• A better understanding of conduct disorder

– Causes

– Behaviors

– Helpful teaching strategies

– Parent resources

Facts about Conduct Disorder• Conduct disorder is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder

diagnosed among children

• Conduct disorder is more common in boys than girls.

• Conduct disorder occurs more in cities than rural areas.

• Conduct disorder tends to occur with multiple mental disorders.

• There is no age limit for conduct disorder.

Conduct Disorder is:• Defined by the American Psychiatric Association

as:

“a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are violated.”

• Conduct Disorder is categorized as a psychiatric disorder

Causes of Conduct Disorder

• Genetic• Environment– Environmental factors include:• Neglect• Child abuse• Exposure to violence• Ineffective parenting• Smoking during pregnancy

Conduct Disorder Statistics• It is estimated that 40% of

students diagnosed with conduct disorder will develop antisocial personality disorders in adulthood.

• Worldwide, 5% of the population has been diagnosed with conduct disorder.

• In the United States, conduct disorder affects 2-9% of the population.

Behaviors

• Aggression to people and animals

• Destruction of property

• Deceitfulness, lying, stealing

• Violation of rules

• Running away from home

• Breaking the rules

• Drinking/Drug abuse

• Intentionally setting fires

Do you think a child can be tested for conduct

disorder?

Evaluation

• There is no test available for conduct disorder.

• A diagnosis can be made based off of child’s behavioral history.

• If any symptom of conduct disorder is present, the child should be evaluated by a mental health professional.

Beneficial Services Following Diagnosis

• Functional Family Therapy – family based intervention

• Pharmacotherapy- medical treatment by use of drugs

• Individualized Family Service Plan – indicates specific goals for child in

the early intervention program and a list of strategies to use to meet goals

• Consultation with School - school staff are able to evaluate the child and

create treatment plan

• Parent Management Training- trains parents to have more control over

behavior problems at home and school

• Multi-systemic Therapy- family and community based therapy

Based on your knowledge of conduct disorder, what do you think are effective teaching strategies to be implemented?

Teaching Strategies

• Positive communication with student

• Communication with parents

• Avoid arguments with student

• Give options rather than commands.

– Example: “Would you rather sit at your desk

or at the table?”

• Establish simple rules

• Reward good behavior

• Maintain a classroom routine

• Teach social and life skills such as anger

management

• Utilize technologies (Continued on next

slide)

• Academic curriculum at correct level for

student

• Highly structured classroom

• Keep your voice low. Speak slowly.

• Students with conduct disorder enjoy

arguing. Stay calm.

Technology in the Classroom• Children with access to current

technologies build self esteem, attitudes, and may improve their behavior.

• Technologies include:– Calculators

– VCRs

– DVDs

– Computers (have biggest impact)

– Printers

– Scanners

Important Laws

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - Requires that all children receive free public education.

• Honing v. Doe (1988) – Schools may not expel students for behavior related to their emotional handicaps.

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973- Protects students with disabilities from discrimination.

Current Medical Research• Researchers in the UK conducted brain scans on

children with conduct disorder and discovered differences in brain structure that may contribute to aggressive behavior. (2011)

• Researchers have found differences in brain structure of male adolescents with conduct disorder similar to the brain structure of a person with an addiction. (2012)

• Conduct Disorder has been related to other medical conditions such as:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Mood Disorders (ex. Depression)

Additional Resources Offered to Families

• Villa Maria of Anne Arundel County Behavioral Clinic– 1438 Defense Hwy., Suite 202 Gambrills , MD 21054 – (410) 451-0682 – http://www.catholiccharities-md.org/services/programs-in-anne-arundel.html

• Christian Counseling Center of Annapolis

– 108 Old Solomons Island Road Annapolis , MD 21401– (410) 266-8345 – www.ccannapolis.com

• Innovative Therapeutic Services, LLC

– 14440 Cherry Lane Court Laurel , MD 20707– (240) 786-7049– http://www.its-eip.com/

Fact Check

1. List 3 behaviors associated with conduct disorder.

2. Can a child be tested for conduct disorder?

3. List 3 teaching strategies.

4. What form of technology is most beneficial to students with conduct disorder?

Answers1. Any combination of: Aggression to people and animals, destruction of

property, deceitfulness, lying, stealing, violation of rules, running away from home, breaking the rules, drinking/drug abuse, intentionally setting fires

2. No

3. Any combination of: Positive communication with student, communication with parents, avoid arguments with student, give options rather than commands, simple rules, reward good behavior, maintain a classroom routine, teach social and life skills, utilize technology, academic curriculum at correct level, structured classroom, low voice, during arguments stay calm

4. Computers

Any Questions?

Resources • Bernstein, B. (October 2, 2012). Conduct Disorder. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/918213-overview.

• Centore, A. (June 30, 2008). Conduct Disorder. Retrieved October 31, 2013, from http://www.thriveboston.com/counseling/conduct-disorder-definition-statistics-parental-role-and-intervention/.

• Community Care. (2013). Parents of Children with Conduct Disorder Need Better Training and Support [photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.communitycare.co.uk/2013/03/26/parents-of-children-with-conduct-disorders-need-better-training-and-support/#.UncdLuI4n4c.

• McCarthy Health. (2013). Conduct Disorder [photograph]. Retrieved from http://mccarthyhealth2q1pd7.wikispaces.com/Conduct+Disorder.

• Minnesota's Association for Children's Mental Health. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.esu1.org/downloads/psych/Conduct.pdf.

• Posthumus, J., Raaijmakers, M., Maassen, G., Engeland, & H., Matthys, W. (2012). Sustained Effects of Incredible

Years as Preventitive Intervention in Preschool Children with Conduct Problems. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, Vol. 40 Issue 4, 487-500.

• Taylor, R., L., Smiley, L., R., & Richards, S., B. (2009) Exceptional Students: Preparing Teachers for the 21st Century. New York: McGraw Hill.