With an increasing emphasis on behavioural concerns in primary care medicine and child-focused psychology, practitioners in these and related disciplines need a resource - for their own reference and as an aid in effective communication when providing guidance to parents whose children are demonstrating problem behaviours. This guide is designed to be a quick reference for the practitioner regarding parenting, child development, and the conceptualization, identification and treatment of behavioural concerns. The text is geared to be a practical, quick read that the practitioner can use for anticipatory guidance or first-tier interventions. The guide can also serve as a reference for parents, to use as a bibliotherapeutic aid, either to be read independently or used in conjunction with an intervention programme provided by the practitioner.
Glen Aylward is professor of pediatrics and psychiatry and director of the Division of Developmental and Behavior Pediatrics at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
1 Introduction.- Behavioral Problems in Infants and Young Children.- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-Primary Care (DSM-PC).- Suggested Questions for Psychosocial Screening.- Bidirectional Influences.- 2 Parenting Issues.- Family Considerations.- Dimensions of Parenting.- Parenting Profiles.- Other Parenting Issues.- Summary.- 3 Child Characteristics.- Cognitive Abilities.- Temperament.- Attachment.- Clinical Evaluation of Attachment.- Vulnerable Child Syndrome.- Spoiled Child Syndrome.- Summary.- 4 Externalizing Disorders.- Aggression.- Violence.- Oppositional-Defiant Disorder (ODD)/ Conduct Disorder (CD).- Developmental Subtypes of Aggression.- Protective Factors.- Assessment Framework.- Summary.- 5 Theories and Practice.- Maturational Theory.- Psychodynamic Model.- Psychosocial Model.- Cognitive Model.- Behavioral Model.- Summary.- 6 General Intervention Algorithm.- Identify/Define Problem.- Consider Other Issues.- Define Positive Behavior.- Describe Program/Choices.- Problem Behavior.- If Problem Behavior Occurs.- If Problem Behavior Does Not Occur.- 7 Specific Techniques.- Statements of Disapproval/Explanations.- Time Out.- Presentation of Aversive Stimuli.- Response Cost.- Token Systems.- Grab-bag/Treasure Chest.- Ignoring/Distracting.- Behavior Log/Diary.- Other Approaches/Considerations.- Applications.- 8 Applications.- Case 1. Aggression.- Case 2. Bedtime Problem.- Case 3. Time-Out Refusal.- Case 4. Toileting Problem.- Case 5. Homework problem.- Case 6. Problem with Separation.- Case 7. Refusal to Do Chores.- Case 8. School Difficulty.- Summary.- 9 Quick Reference: Signs, Reinforcements, Techniques, and Considerations.- Aggression (Young Child).- Aggression (Older Child).- Argumentativeness.- Bedwetting.- Excessive Fears.- Food Refusal.- Masturbatory Behavior.- Mutism.- Noncompliance.- Refusal to Take Medication.- School Behavioral Problem.- School Refusal.- Separation Issue.- Sibling Conflict.- Sleep Problem.- Soiling.- Somatic Concerns.- Temper Tantrums.- Thumbsucking.- Whining.- 10 Summary and Musings.- References.