Behavior problems: behind every tantrum there’s a message

Every child has a tantrum now and then. When behavior is so frequent or intense that it affects home, school and friendships, it’s worth a closer look.

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Disruptive and oppositional behavior

What it is

Understanding Behavior disorders

We speak of a behavior disorder when there is a persistent pattern of opposition, anger, defiance or aggression beyond what’s expected for the age. It often coexists with other conditions—ADHD, language or learning difficulties, anxiety—that feed it and also need attention.

The goal isn’t to “tame” the child, but to understand what they need and teach them other ways to get it. Family and school are part of the treatment: when everyone responds the same way, behavior changes faster.

Before you decide

ADHD testing in Tijuana

A restless child doesn’t necessarily have ADHD, and a calm one might.

Read the guide

Signs

Signs worth watching for

None on its own is a diagnosis. If you recognize several and they persist, book an assessment.

Very intense or long-lasting tantrums
Opposes almost any instruction
Aggression toward other children, adults or objects
Frequent behavior reports from school
Gets angry easily and struggles to calm down
Blames others for their mistakes

How we help

A tailored plan

We begin with an evaluation to rule in or out associated conditions. The plan combines behavioral therapy, emotional therapy for frustration and self-esteem, and parent training. With the school, we agree on the same system of rules and recognition.

Child neuropsychological evaluation

Before any therapy, you need to know what is going on. We do a complete assessment—with the family, the school and your…

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Behavioral therapy

Difficult behavior almost always communicates something. We find what triggers it and teach the child—and the adults…

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Child emotional therapy

Children worry, get frustrated and feel sad too. We help them put their feelings into words and find healthy ways to…

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Parent training

No child moves forward alone. We give mothers, fathers and caregivers the information and tools to support their child…

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The information on this page is for guidance and does not replace a professional assessment. Every child is different: diagnosis and plan are defined after an evaluation.

FAQ

Questions about Behavior disorders

How do I know if it’s a phase or a disorder?

If the behavior lasts more than six months, is more intense than in other children their age and affects several settings—home, school, friendships—an evaluation is a good idea.

Is it the parents’ fault?

There’s no single cause. Temperament, development and environment all play a part. The good news is that parents are a very important part of the solution.

Can you help if the school asked us to get support?

Yes. We evaluate, provide a report and coordinate with the school so the intervention is the same everywhere.

Other conditions