Does your child seem to have little or no regard for the feelings of others? Is your teen aggressive toward you or peers, even destructive or physically cruel? Has your adolescent ever threatened to assault you? Has he or she become known as a bully at school? Is he or she lying or stealing?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this could indicate a serious behavioral problem. Some of the characteristics of a conduct disorder are:
Low tolerance for frustration
Destructive of property
Aggressive toward people or animals
A persistent pattern of behavior that includes a number of these characteristics mean it is time to take action. Adolescents with conduct disorders who are not treated tend to develop into adults who are aggressive, hostile, unemployable, and destructive. These adults often end up in the criminal justice system because of their inability to control their tempers.
A much more serious disorder than oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), a conduct disorder is something that should never be ignored by parents. The danger of physical aggressiveness necessitates immediate intervention by parents and teachers.
Aspen Education Group has a number of programs that can help pre-adolescent and adolescent children who have self-defeating behaviors related to conduct disorder. These intensive programs can quickly narrow down the issues your child is experiencing to help him or her on a positive life path.
Youth Care offers several programs that can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual child. The residential treatment provides a structured environment in which the adolescent is assessed and a treatment plan is formulated. Talk to a program representative for more information.
Our Assessment Test can help you determine if a residential program might be best for your particular child.