- Diagnostic Folders -

Behavioral Challenges

There are many levels of behavioral challenges that occur in children.  The challenges exist for a myriad of reasons.  Two diagnostic categories of behavioral challenges include Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry define behavioral challenges, “In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster’s day to day functioning.

All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed, or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults.  Oppositional behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year old’s and early adolescents.

However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child’s social, family, and academic life.”

Conduct Disorder occurs when there is an ongoing level of oppositional behavior but the behavior has escalated to the violation of the rights of others with the use of aggression or has exhibited behavior that has legal ramifications.

  • Brief Early Childhood Screening Assessment (Brief ECSA)
    English
    Screens children 18-60 months for signs of emotional and behavioral problems. Ages: 18-60 months
  • Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17)
    English | Spanish
    A 17 item screening questionnaire listing a broad range of children’s emotional and behavioral problems that reflects parents’ impressions of their child’s psychosocial functioning. The screen is intended to facilitate the recognition of emotional and behavioral problems so that appropriate interventions can be initiated as early as possible. The PSC-17 is used to screen for childhood emotional and behavioral problems including those of attention, externalizing, and internalizing.
    Ages: 4-18
  • Pediatric Symptom Checklist-Youth (PSC-Y-17)
    English | Spanish
    A 17 item screening questionnaire listing a broad range of behavioral and psychosocial problems in youth. The screen is intended to facilitate the recognition of emotional and behavioral problems so that appropriate interventions can be initiated as early as possible. The PSC-Y-17 is used to screen for emotional and behavioral problems including those of attention, externalizing, internalizing, and suicidal ideation. Ages: 11-18
  • Preschool Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PPSC)
    English | Spanish
    a social/emotional screening instrument for children 18–60 months of age. The PPSC was created as one part of a comprehensive screening instrument designed for pediatric primary care and is modeled after the Pediatric Symptom Checklist.
    Ages: 18-60 months

Read the viewing instructions to learn how to earn CME credit. Recordings are listed in alphabetical order.

  • Impulsivity and Aggression
    Slides | Video
  • Collaborative & Proactive Solutions – Moving from Power and Control to Collaboration and Problem Solving
    April 6, 2022
    Slides | Video
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder
    November 5, 2020
    Slides | Video

Drilling Cheat Sheet: Provides and overview of the drilling strategies that can be used to gather information in the Empathy step of Plan B. 

Five Finger Strategy: If a child or adolescent is having difficulty providing you with information in the Empathy step, five fingers can help you get the information you’re seeking. 

Picture of Problems and Solutions: For kids with language processing difficulties, the spoken word may not be the ideal method for communicating about concerns and solutions. 

Plan B Cheat Sheet: Provides a graphic overview of the key components you will want to keep in mind when you are doing Plan B. 

Plan B Checklist: If you want to see how you are doing with the use of the CPS model, use this checklist. 

In Brief: Your Guide to Healthy Sleep: 13 tips to help you sleep. 

Insomnia treatment: Cognitive behavioral therapy instead of sleeping pills: Explore safe, effective, nondrug insomnia treatments. 

Relaxation Exercises to Help Fall Asleep: Calm the mind, relax the body, and help yourself drift off to sleep naturally. 

Self-Care Options for Insomnia: Nonpharmacologic and OTC options. 

Sleep Hygiene: Good sleep habits that could improve your sleep health. 

Therapy for Sleep Disorders: Therapy may relax your mind, change your outlook, and set you up for a good night’s sleep. 

Consult Line: (888) 522-9654

The North Dakota Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Line connects Primary Care Providers with a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for consultation during daytime business hours.