Like a storm that is brewing, and you have no control over its volatility, so could you describe a child or teen with Conduct Disorder.  Children and teens with this mental disability are unpredictable in their behavior, as well as very aggressive and violent; in the same way as a Hurricane bearing down on the shore. These children are usually first compared in the same category as children with ADHD  (Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder) or ODD. (Oppositional Defiance Disorder). [Medical/Disability Information. Government of AB. n.d). However, once it has been determined that the child does have a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior, that carries no regard for those around them, as defined by the DSM,  [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual]. (n.d.). they are diagnosed as having Conduct Disorder.  [Medical/Disability Information. Government of AB] .(n.d). they are then diagnosed as having Conduct Disorder.

 

When a child is in the age of pre-school ( ages 1-3yrs), and begin to show signs of aggression, and defiance that does not meet the “milestone”   set out for developing children, they are often first said to possibly have ODD. Once they reach the early school years, (kindergarten – Grade 2) if they continue to show these aggressive tendencies (not meeting their milestones), and their aggressive personalities increase, doctors and teachers will start assessments to see if they have CD (Conduct Disorder). 

 

Conduct Disorder is a type of “mental illness” or behavior issue that has been defined as a "Repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that carries no regard for those around them." (Wiley InterScience, 2004). Causes for this disorder can at times be genetic, however it is usually caused by poor parenting, an abusive home life, extreme poverty, and neglect. 

 

 Some examples of this type of behavior are:

• Forms of aggressions towards people or animals

• Destruction of property (vandalism)

• Stealing

• Lying

• Self-mutilation

• Defiance of authority and authority figures

• Not respecting boundaries and causing harm

• Running away from home

 

How Common is Conduct Disorder?

 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that between 6 and 16 percent of males and 2 to 9 percent of females under age 18 have conduct disorder that ranges in severity from mild to severe. [Children's Mental Health Service]. ( n.d).

 

This type of behavior in children with Conduct Disorder will cause disruptions in classrooms, and make it very difficult for the children around them to receive the best possible educational experience.  (Frick, 1998; Zigler, Taussig, & Black, 1992). In addition to these classroom disruptions, there also comes a high monetary cost. (Knoff, 2000). These children require close supervision that must be covered by the Educational System, as well as security procedures that may need to be put into place. Not to mention the costs to fix or replace materials or equipment that may be damaged through their angry and violent outbursts. (Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Singh Joy, S. D., Winton, A. W., Sabaawi, M., Wahler, R. G., & Singh, J. 2007).

 

There are varying causes to this type of disorder, therefore making it more difficult on agencies by finding just the right resources to help these children and teens, as each case is individualized for each child. This result tends to create more of a complication for teachers, and government agencies there to offer support. (Frick, 1998, 2001). As these children with their emotional (and in most cases), severe behavioral issues, cannot be fit in to the special educational categories "that are based on learning, emotional, or behavioral deficits, can make appropriate organizational structure for educating these children most unclear." (Kershaw & Sonuga-Barke, 1998; Mac-Millan, 1998).

 

However, all is not lost, as there are resources and tests available, to help find the best plan for each specific case. As this is becoming more and more of a social issue throughout schools, the need has become greater for support and educational services for these socially troubled children. Please refer to “Treatment of Conduct Disorder" to learn about the types of treatments and services available, as well as resources to help in the treatment of diagnosed children of Conduct Disorder.