Conduct Disorder

Intro to Special Education Justine 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 childs 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 Utilize technologies (Continued on next

Communication with parents

Avoid arguments with student Give options rather than commands.
Example: Would you rather sit at your desk or at the table?

slide)
Academic curriculum at correct level for student

Establish simple rules Reward good behavior Maintain a classroom routine Teach social and life skills such as anger management

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?

Answers
1. 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 No

2.

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
Computers

4.

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-conductdisorders-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.