Conduct & Defiant Disorders

When a child or teen becomes a problem due to ongoing defiance of authority figures, it usually is time to seek the help of a child psychologist or family counselor. Lying, stealing, disobedience, truancy, poor grades, disrespect, repeated cursing, trouble with the law, and isolating from the family could all be signs of oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. Individual child counseling, teen counseling, or family counseling is frequently needed to curb the problem behaviors before they spiral out of control or to help bring life back to a healthier balance.

One or more of these signs may be present:

Behavior problems with teachers, other students, siblings, and parents

Problems with the law

Aggressiveness and sarcasm

Arson, vandalism, or other destructive behavior

Missing school

Conflicts escalating to heated verbal or physical violence

Animal cruelty

How do I know A CHILD has a conduct and defiant disorder?

Have they been in trouble multiple times at school?
Does it seem like they don’t listen to anyone?
Have they been in trouble with the law?
Do they hurt animals?
Do they fight a lot?
Have they skipped school?

If you answered yes to two or more questions, this might indicate that there is a problem. Pathways can help get to the root of the problem and determine if conduct and defiant disorders are present.

What should I do?

Children are sometimes defiant as a normal way of asserting themselves. But when conflict problems are significant or last a long time, you should check with a doctor to evaluate for any physical causes. If you believe an intervention could become physical, bring a backup person for support.
Pathways can help youngsters with conduct and defiant disorders. Call us , Email us or Contact Us to request an appointment. Day and evening counseling sessions are available, and we would be happy to answer all of your questions.