Early Signs of Behavioral Problems in Children: When To Seek Help

Childhood behavioral problems can sneak up on you, because it may be difficult to tell normal behavior from behavior that needs the help of a specialist. Your pediatrician can help. Dr. Michael Taymor in Palo Alto, CA, provides a wide range of pediatric services, including behavioral assessment and treatment.

What You Need To Know About Childhood Behavior

There are normal childhood behaviors that indicate your child is becoming more independent and wants to do things without your help. If your child is defiant or withdrawing from you, it’s probably just a normal developmental change.

So, when do you need to worry about a behavioral problem? You should contact your pediatrician if you notice that your child is:

• Having difficulty getting along with others
• Showing a lack of respect for authority figures
• Threatening to harm themselves, other children, or pets
• Feeling unhappy or depressed most of the time
• Feeling anxious about social situations and school
• Intentionally damaging or destroying things
• Frequently lying, stealing, or arguing
• Doing poorly in school or skipping class

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is one of the most common behavioral disorders and can be treated by your pediatrician. You need to seek out the expertise of your pediatrician if your child is:

• Talking or blurting out comments excessively
• Having difficulty sitting still
• Often losing or forgetting things
• Having difficulty focusing and completing tasks
• Daydreaming often and not concentrating
• Frequently making mistakes and showing carelessness

Your pediatrician will perform a complete examination, assessment, and evaluation to determine if your child has behavioral issues or ADHD. Behavioral disorders are often treated with a combination of solutions. These include:

• Behavioral counseling for your child
• Family counseling for family members
• Medication to help with focus and impulse control

Want To Know More About Childhood Behavior?

To find out more about childhood behavior and when to visit your pediatrician, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Michael Taymor in Palo Alto, CA. You can reach him in the office by calling (650) 321-7722, so call today.