MISBEHAVIOR OR NEUROBEHAVIORAL DISORDER?
Making sense of behavioral concerns in young children with DS • Behavior Spectrum Q1: Which behaviors are considered typical for preschool children ( • Behaviors considered typical in preschool child* • Separation or stranger-anxiety, bedtime problems • Increased motor activity, very busy • Deliberate misbehaving for social attention • Tantruming when limits are set or privileges denied *These are best managed using firm discipline and behavior management • Behaviors which may be character-traits of many children • Routine-oriented, resistant to change • Stubborn, persistent • Sociable, affectionate Q2: What other behaviors are seen in preschool children ( • Behaviors seen in some children or some situations • Repetitive motor acts (WHICH ARE OCASSIONAL AND EASY TO INTERRUPT) • Waves objects, stares at hands, hums, grinds teeth, rocks – especially when bored • Tenses-up, grimaces, makes happy noises, shakes & waves arms – especially when excited • Hypersensitive to touch (haircuts, too
