Behavior disorders
Behavior disordered is a term frequently used interchangeably with emotionally disturbed or socially maladjusted. These terms describe children who are troubled and who may also cause trouble for parents, teachers, peers, and others. Problems associated with defining and identifying behavior disorders, or conduct disorders, are far more difficult than those relating to physical disabilities. Estimates of the prevalence of behavior disorders vary considerably depending on the criteria used for identification and on whether estimates include mild as well as severe instances. It has been estimated that 15% to 19% of U.S. children and adolescents have problems requiring some form of mental health services. Factors that contribute to the development of behavior disorders vary greatly. They are often classified as genetic or congenital versus social or psychological. Given adequate knowledge of biological history and environment, it is sometimes possible to identify children who may be at greater risk for behavior disorders than others.
Resources:
Services and Programs
- Family Outreach Center
Disability-specific programs associated with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and other organizations at Vanderbilt provide a broad range of treatment, research, technical assistance, education, and outreach services. - Tennessee Kindred Stories of Disability
Families, friends and service providers share their stories about people living with disability in Tennessee.
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Links and Resources
- Center for Disease Control - Facts about violence among youth and violence in schools
An online source for credible health information concerning youth violence. - Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL)
The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) is a national resource center for disseminating research and evidence-based practices to early childhood programs across the country. - Community Inclusion Project Training Manual
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Community Inclusion Project's publication discusses comprehensive assessment and treatment for individuals with dual diagnosis. - Conduct Disorders, Facts for Families
"Conduct disorder" refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems in youngsters. Children and adolescents with this disorder have great difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way. They are often viewed by other children, adults and social agencies as "bad" or delinquent, rather than mentally ill. Many factors may contribute to a child developing conduct disorder, including brain damage, child abuse, genetic vulnerability, school failure, and traumatic life experiences. - National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH)
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health. - National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
The TA Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports has been established by the Office of Special Education Programs, US Department of Education to give schools capacity-building information and technical assistance for identifying, adapting, and sustaining effective school-wide disciplinary practices.
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StudyFinder - Participate in a study related to Behavior disorders
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers need subjects to complete the studies listed below.
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- Including Brain Activity in Behavioral Research: Insights from the "Black Box"
Statistics and Methodology Core Lecture: Including Brain Activity in Behavioral Research: Insights from the "Black Box" - The Teaching Pyramid: Supporting Young Children's Social Emotional Development and Addressing and Preventing Challenging Behavior
Mary Louise Hemmeter, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Special Education, presents at the monthly grand rounds series for clinicians, researchers, trainees, and students on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. - Pediatric Anxiety - Current and Future Approaches to Therapeutics
Lecture by Daniel Pine, M.D., at the Special Lecture on Development and Developmental Disabilities held on March 26, 2009. - Neurobiology of Aggression
Watch video of Craig H. Kennedy, PhD, BCBA and chair of the Special Education Department; Professor, Special Education and Pediatrics Director at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Behavior Analysis Clinic Peabody College speaking Oct. 2.
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In the News
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