Behavioral disorders, also known as conduct disorders, are one of the most common forms of psycho pathology among children and young adults and is the most frequently cited reason for referral to mental health services. The appearance of behavioral disorders is increasing dramatically in our K-12 classrooms. As a result their presence severely constrains the ability of the school systems to educate students effectively.
The prevalence of behavioral problems among children and young adults is substantial. Many surveys indicate that behavioral disorders vary among young adults, ranging from 2 and 6%. This percentage translates into 1.3 to 3.8 million cases of behavioral disorders among the school and pre-college population (James, 2000).
Behavioral disorders become apparent when the student displays a repetitive and impact persistent pattern of behavior that results in significant disruption in other students. Such disturbances may cause significant impairments in academic, social, and or occupational functioning (James, 2000). Such a behavior pattern is consistent throughout the individual life.
Among the characteristics of a behavioral disorder among children and adolescents are:
- Initiation of aggressive behavior and reacting aggressively to others.
- A display of bullying, threatening, or intimidating behavior.
- Being physically abusive of others.
- Deliberate destruction of other's property.
- Showing little empathy and little concern for feelings, wishes, and well being of others.
- Showing callous behavior towards others and lack of feelings of guilt or remorse.
Students who are referred to as having "behavioral disorders," "serious emotional disturbances," or "emotional and behavioral disorders" have two common elements that are instructionally relevant: (1) they demonstrate behavior that is noticeably different from that expected in school or the community and (2) they are in need of remediation (Douglas, 2001).
In each instance, the student is exhibiting some form of behavior that is judged to be different from that which is expected in the classroom......
